Spain suffers Canada’s setback near the World Cup

2023-08-18 00:08:29

Spain suffers Canada’s setback near the World Cup

Scariolo’s men did not have continuity or success at the end to avoid defeat in Granada

MADRID, 18 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The Spanish basketball team fell (80-85) this Thursday against Canada in the penultimate rehearsal of the preparation tour for the 2023 World Cup, a match decided in extra time with good but irregular moments at the Palacio de los Deportes in Granada, where will finish the set-up on Saturday against the Dominican Republic.

Sergio Scariolo’s men reacted to a bad start with an almost perfect second quarter, but after the break they suffered again without the forceful rivals of men like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (22 points) or RJ Barrett (18). Spain showed that they are always going to compete, but they were not able to avoid a defeat that could have come before extra time. In extra time she also had a downturn and in turn fought it, a world champion who receives important notice just over a week before the World Cup.

The hostess did not start well in Granada but finished the first part better than her rival. From less to more, Scariolo’s men raised the physical level in defense and the attack flowed with mastery of the rebound. Canada, one of the favorites to wrest the title from Spain, started strong with a strong five.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett monopolized the American game and, when it was their turn to rotate, the team led by the Spanish coach Jordi Fernández went down completely. On the other hand, Spain had a choral contribution in their fourth preparation match towards the defense of the title. Sergio Llull had a good start on the tour and Spain excelled in the second quarter, leaving their rival on 13 points.

After the 27 conceded in the first set, Scariolo’s instructions were clear and the European champion adjusted with great quality. Spain was able to run with the rebound and with the steals in defense, with a very fine Víctor Claver cutting off attacks. There was a lack of triple (5 of 15 in the first 20 minutes), but the Spanish team knew how to change the chip to take control at halftime (44-40).

After passing through the locker room, the American team stepped forward in defense and the game was very even. Scariolo’s men struggled to move the ball and to score, dry on 12 points in the third quarter and thanks to Santi Aldama and Usman Garuba, plus Rudy and Alberto Díaz in defense, they were even able to stay ahead on the scoreboard (56-55). heading into the last quarter.

The exchange of triples marked the resumption, with Spain less successful despite the fact that Brizuela and Joel Parra did see the net. Bell-Haynes joined the Canadian repertoire and, with the scare of a possible injury to Alberto Díaz, between Shai and the contribution from inside Olynyk, Jordi Fernández’s men went for the game.

The extension could be avoided by the Thunder point guard, but the extra time was a Spanish drought, until a new show of pride. Garuba, Claver and Juan Núñez assumed the attempts to avoid the second defeat of four preparation games, after last Sunday against the United States, another candidate who taught Spain the need to continue polishing the job.

DATASHEET:

–RESULT: SPAIN, 80 – CANADA, 85. (44-40, at halftime).

–EQUIPMENT:

SPAIN: Núñez, Abalde (4), Joel Parra (8), Juancho Hernangómez (12) and Willy Hernangómez (4) –starting five–, Rudy (6), Alberto Díaz (-), Brizuela (5), Jaime Fernández (2), Claver (9), Aldama (8), Garuba (10), Llull (6), Núñez (6).

CANADA: Gilgeous-Alexander (22), RJ Barrett (18), Dillon Brooks (5), Olynyk (11) and Powell (12) –initial quintet–, Alexander-Walker (6), Ejim (2), Edey (5), Bell-Haynes (4), Dort (-).

— PARTIALS: 21-27, 23-13, 12-15, 17-18, 7-12.

–REFEREES: Rodríguez, Pérez Pizarro and García. No deleted.

–PAVILION: Sports Palace of Granada.