German men book ticket to Beijing

By Barney Spender

ATHENS (Reuters) - Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki inspired Germany to a 96-82 win over Puerto Rico in the final game of the qualifying tournament on Sunday to book their place at the Beijing Olympics.

It is the first time Germany have qualified for the Olympics since 1992, when they came seventh.

Nowitzki again led the way for the Germans with 32 points.

"For me he is the MVP of the tournament," said Los Angeles Clippers centre Chris Kaman, who was only given his German passport the week before the tournament.

"He is the guy, one of the top ten players in the world at the moment. You are never out of a game when you have a guy like Dirk in the side."

Germany coach Dirk Bauermann was even more effusive about Nowitzki's contribution.

"He played like a man possessed," he said.

"He was great in defense and his shooting was fantastic. He has to be one of the top three players in the world and a role model for anyone.

"He has had great success over the years and made a lot of money but he is still the same guy as when I first met him 15 years ago. He is a great guy."

Nowitzki's Dallas teammate Juan Jose Barea produced a fine performance for Puerto Rico, scoring 18 points.

The first quarter was extremely tight and left the Germans trailing 23-22. They picked up the pace in the latter stages of the second quarter, however, to lead 48-39 at half-time.

With Nowitzki dominating the play, the Germans opened up a 16-point lead going into the last quarter and in spite of a late, spirited Puerto Rican surge, they held on for the victory.

Greece and Croatia have also qualified from the tournament and they will join Angola, Argentina, Australia, China, Iran, Lithuania, Russia, Spain and the United States in the Beijing tournament.

(Editing by Miles Evans)

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