Croatia tops group D with huge comeback

(BEIJING, July 17) -- Croatia beat Puerto Rico 95-81, breaking through an early 17-point deficit to earn the top spot in group D and advance to the quarterfinals along with seven other teams in the 2008 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men's on July 16th in Athens.

The result means Croatia will face the group C's second place Canada on July 18.

Puerto Rico guard Carlos Arroyo shot an impressive three of three from behind the three, and helped bring Puerto Rico into an early lead as big as 26-9. Croatia was able to regroup on defense and managed to hold their opponents to 26-14 by the end of first quarter.

The second quarter was where the game changed its pace. With a lay-up followed by a jump shot off a fast break, Croatian point guard Roko-Leni Ukic was able to chip away at Puerto Rico's lead and eventually topple it, ending the half at 43-40.

Croatia carried their lead throughout the second half, although Arroyo had the game high with 22 points and four assists. Croatia left the third quarter up by 12, and ended the game with a respectable 14 points over Puerto Rico.

In group D's second place, Puerto Rico will compete with the group C winner Slovenia on July 18th.