The Champ Is Here!

Gordon’s Clutch Shooting Propels The Bahamas to Tournament Win Over Argentina

ARGENTINA – The Bahamas beat Argentina 82-75 on their home floor for the second time this week to win the FIBA Olympic pre-qualifying tournament on Saturday night. 

The Bahamas withstood an onslaught from an experienced and talented Argentina squad including players with NBA and Olympic experience to get the win.

Eric Gordon, who was given his release to play for team 242 just a couple of weeks before the tournament was instrumental in this win, scoring 27 points on 8 of 13 shooting with some clutch shot-making to keep The Bahamas in the game down the stretch, including an insane stepback three-pointer to put the game away for The Bahamas with 20 seconds left. 

“You can’t make this up.”

Eric Gordon dagger 3.

27 points. Bahamas up five with 20 .2 seconds left. #Suns pic.twitter.com/OZbBy1Tz1Y

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) August 21, 2023

Buddy Hield had 15 points on a rough 5 of 17 shooting night while turning the ball over 7 times. Although he forced things at times on offense he remained active on both sides of the floor and grabbed 5 rebounds, swiping 3 steals and making clutch stops. 

Deandre Ayton was arguably the second-best player for Team Bahamas. He only scored 10 points on 5/14 shooting but he hulked out on the boards grabbing 21 rebounds. He also anchored the defense, holding Argentina at-bay in the paint and moving his feet on the perimeter against smaller players.  

Ayton defense on one end.

Hield offense on other.

Bahamas up four in 4th. #Suns #Pacers pic.twitter.com/TwokPjK4js

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) August 21, 2023

Travis Munnings scored 16 points for team Bahamas and Franco Miller added 9 off the bench.

The offense ran smoothly with Lourrawls “Tum Tum” Nairn in the lineup, unfortunately, he was only able to play 19 minutes because of a hurt shoulder from last night’s game. 

Former Denver Nuggets point guard Facundo Campazzo tried to will Argentina to a win. He scored 27 points and dished out 17 assists. Unfortunately for the home team, the diminutive point guard was unable to overcome the Bahamian NBA talent.

With the win, team Bahamas qualified for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, If The Bahamas can finish top 3 in that tournament, then it’s on to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.