Germany will play in Beijing Games

Germany just punched its ticket to the Beijing Games by beating Puerto Rico, 96-82, in the final game of the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament in Athens.

Germany was carried by Dirk Nowitzki, who scored 32 points. Chris Kaman added 10 points. Germany built its lead to 83-65 with 4:21 remaining in the game, and then held on for the win.

Earlier in the tournament, Croatia earned its first Olympics bid since 1996 by beating Germany, 76-70. And Greece beat Puerto Rico, 88-63, to earn a trip to Beijing.

-- Greg Johnson

Photo: Dirk Nowitzki vies for the ball with Puerto Rico's Alex Falcon, left, and Carmelo Lee during today's final game in the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament in Athens.

Credit: Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP/Getty Image