Down 37-17 to Macedonia with four minutes remaining in the first half, John Calipari's Dominican Republic squad rallied to take an 86-76 victory in the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Venezuela.

Led by former U of L star and current Sacramento King Francisco Garcia's 28 points (on the strength of four made 3-pointers), the Dominican team dominated the second stanza on its way to the quarterfinal win.

"I've coached a lot of basketball games in my life, a bunch of Final Fours and national championship games, and this one will be one of those games I remember," Calipari said after the game. "We were down 20 with a lot at stake and we still came back and won. I'm just really happy for the players and the team because they just showed a lot of pride, a lot of guts and a lot of toughness."

The Dominicans play Lithuania on Saturday night in one semifinal match-up, with the winner earning a spot in the 2012 Summer Games. If the Dominicans prevail, it would be the team's first-ever appearance in the Olympics.

Eric Lindsey of CoachCal.com has the full story.