Nowitzki assists Germany to get the last ticket

Germany got the final ticket, beating Puerto Rico 96-82 on Sunday in FIBA Qualifying Tournament to reach 2008 Beijing Games.

Power forward, Dirk Nowitzki scored the game-high 32 points and nine rebounds, who partner with Steffen Hamann to present the excellent match.

The two teams had a well matched in first quarter. Puerto Rico ever led by as much as five points at the clock time 6:09 but kraut Nowitzki scored eight points, assisting the team to battle back. Germany narrowed the lost to one point, at the end of first quarter Puerto Rico led by 23-22.

In second quarter, Germany succeed to turn the tide which Nowitski total scored eighteen points and Kaman had ten along with nine rebounds. Germany grabbed the upper hand with a 10-2 run at the second quarter ended, bringing nine points led to half rest by 48-39.

Germany kept extending the lead, Robert Garret scored two of four consecutive three-point shot and surge far ahead by 70-54 in 1:48 left of third quarter.

Puerto Rico never gave the battle, point guard Juan Jose had a three-point play and closed the gap to 86-77 in remaining 2:15 but it still couldn't stop Germany advantage. Eventually, Germany clinched the victory by 96-82 and got the offer to take part in Beijing Games.

"We were very confident going into the game. We won, that was our goal. We are going to Beijing, everyone is very happy." Germany Shooting guard Demond Greene, who hit four three-point shot, said.

Germany will participate in group B which competes against with China, United States, Spain, Greece and Angola in 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.