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CARACAS, Venezuela – A 35-point outing by former University of New Orleans basketball standout Bo McCalebb was not enough as the Dominican Republic eliminated Macedonia 86-76 on Friday afternoon in a FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament quarterfinal.
Dominican Republic head coach John Calipari had no answer for McCalebb throughout the contest. No answer was needed however as the Caribbean nation rallied from a 20-point deficit to stun the Macedonians.
UNO's all-time leading scorer posted eight points in the first period as Macedonia built a 13-point advantage at 23-10. McCalebb continued his scoring rampage with back-to-back three pointers at the onset of the second period as the Macedonian lead grew to 17 at 29-12 with 7:48 remaining in the first half.
The lead grew to 20 before Macedonia carried a 41-28 advantage into the half.
The Dominican Republic chipped away at the lead throughout the third period. Calipari's squad scored the first seven points of the second half and reached within two of Macedonia in the final minute of the third period.
Momentum continued for the Caribbean nation in the fourth period. The Dominican Republic gained a 58-56 lead, their first since being ahead 2-0 in the game's opening mind.
Macedonia never completely recovered from the swing in momentum as the Dominican Republic closed out the victory,
The Dominican Republic was led by a pair of double-double performers. Jack Martinez scored 14 points and grabbed 13 rebounds while NBA star Al Hortford had 14 points and 15 rebounds. Hortford started the game 0-for-6 and did not score from the field until 2:11 remained in the opening half.
The Dominican Republic will face the winner of Lithuania and Puerto Rico in a semifinal on Saturday. Nigeria will face Russia in the other semifinal. Both semifinal winners, plus the victor of a Sunday third-place game will qualify for the Olympics.
