The Bahamas, Ayton Lose to Spain in 2024 FIBA Qualifying Finals – Blazer’s Edge

Deandre Ayton and The Bahamas fell just short of achieving the first Olympic basketball berth in the countrys history Sunday, losing 86-78 to Spain in the 2024 FIBA Qualifying Finals in Valencia, Spain.

The Portland Trail Blazers center finished with 17 points on 8-14 shooting, 14 rebounds and two assists in 36 minutes of action. The performance rounded out a solid showing for Ayton throughout the FIBA Qualifying Tournament in Valencia. In four games, he averaged 19.5 points and 11.8 rebounds while shooting 64.2% from the field.

Sharpshooter Buddy Hield, recently acquired by the Golden State Warriors, led The Bahamas in the final with 19 points while new Philadelphia 76ers signee Eric Gordon added 15 points.

On Spains side, former Blazer Rudy Fernandez, 39, registered nine points, two rebounds and two assists. Guard Lorenzo Brown scored a team-high 18 points, including 4-5 shooting on 3-pointers.

The Bahamas entered the final as underdogs. While the country hung in against Spain, it never recovered from a 25-17 second quarter by Spain that ended up being the difference in the game. A big free-throw advantage for Spain didnt help The Bahamas either. Spain shot 23-25 from the charity stripe, compared with 10-13 for The Bahamas. Spain also won the turnover battle 15-11.

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The Bahamas, Ayton Lose to Spain in 2024 FIBA Qualifying Finals - Blazer's Edge