CARACAS, Venezuela (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament): The Jordan NT preparing for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament to be played in Caracas (Venezuela) from July 2-8 went down 42-81 to Venezuela on the opening day of the four-nation friendly tournament on Tuesday.

Box scores

Zaid Abbas, returning from an ankle injury, was the highest scorer for Jordan with 10 points, the only double-digit score for Tab Baldwin’s team.

Another positive coming for Jordan from the game, despite the defeat, was the return to action of inspirational point guard Sam Daghles, who dished out 4 assists and grabbed 5 rebounds.

At the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Jordan are drawn with Greece and Puerto Rico in Group C of the Preliminary Round of the competition in a tournament which will identify three teams to join the already qualified nine in the 2012 London Olympics.

Jordan, who won the silver medal at the 26th FIBA Asia Championship last year, begin their campaign with a game against 2008 Beijing Olympics quarterfinalists Greece on July 2.

Click here for FIBA OQT draw details

FIBA Asia