There Spanish basketball team fell (80-85) against Canada during the penultimate test of the preparation tour for the World Cup 2023, a match decided in extra time with good but irregular moments at the Palacio de los Deportes in Granada, where the set-up will end on Saturday against the Dominican Republic. Of the Sergio Scariolo they reacted to a poor start with a near-perfect second quarter, but after the break they still suffered without the rival strength of men like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (22 points) or RJ Barrett (18). Spain showed they were still competitive, but they couldn’t avoid a defeat that could have come before extra time. During extra time, she also experienced a downturn and fought it in turn, a world champion who receives a major notification just over a week before the World Cup.

The hostess didn’t start well in Granada but finished the first part better than her rival. Less and more, the men of Scariolo raised the physical level in defense and the attack proceeded with mastery of the rebound. Canada, one of the favorites to snatch the title from Spain, started strong with five good points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett they monopolized the American game and, when it was their turn to turn, the team led by Spanish coach Jordi Fernández bowed completely. On the other hand, Spain made a choral contribution in their fourth match in preparation for the defense of the title. Sergio Llull had a strong start to the tour and Spain excelled in the second quarter, leaving their rivals with 13 points.

After the 27 conceded in the first set, Scariolo’s slogan was clear and the European champion fit with great quality. Spain knew how to run with the rebound and the interceptions in defense, with a very good Víctor Claver cutting the attacks. They missed a few triples (5 out of 15 in the first 20 minutes), but the Spanish team was able to change the game to take control at halftime (44-40). After the locker room, the American team advanced in defense and the match was very balanced. Scariolo’s men struggled to move the ball and score, with 12 points in the third quarter and thanks to Santi Aldama and Usman Garuba, plus Rudy and Alberto Díaz in defense, they even managed to stay ahead to score (56-55). ) before the last trimester.

He triple exchange marked the recovery, with less success in Spain despite the fact that Brizuela and Joel Parra found the net. Bell-Haynes joined the Canadian repertoire and, with fears of Alberto Díaz possibly injured, between Shai and insider supply from Olynyk, Jordi Fernández’s men got into the game. The extension could be avoided by the leader of the Thunder, but the extension was a Spanish drought, until a new demonstration of pride. Garuba, Claver and Juan Núñez assumed their attempts to avoid the second defeat in four warm-up games, after last Sunday against the United States, another candidate who taught Spain the need to continue to refine the work.