Spain suffer Canada setback ahead of World Cup

Posted On: August 18, 2023

Scariolo’s men didn’t have continuity or success in the end to avoid defeat in Granada

MADRID, August 18 (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 added time with good but irregular moments at the Palacio de los Deportes in Granada, where the set-up will be completed on Saturday against the Dominican Republic.

Sergio Scariolo’s men reacted to a poor start with a near-perfect second quarter, but after the break they again suffered without the rival strength of men like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (22 points) or RJ Barrett (18 ). Spain showed they were still going to compete, but they couldn’t avoid a defeat that could have come before extra time. In extra time, she also experienced a downturn and fought him in turn, a world champion who receives important notice 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 a good five.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and RJ Barrett monopolized the American game and, when it was their turn to turn, the team led by Spanish coach Jordi Fernández completely fell apart. On the other hand, Spain made a choral contribution in their fourth match in preparation for the defense of the title. Sergio Llull got off to a good start on the circuit and Spain excelled in the second quarter, leaving their rivals 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 knew how to run with the rebound and the interceptions in defense, with a very good Víctor Claver cutting the attacks. They lacked a few hat-tricks (5 out of 15 in the first 20 minutes), but the Spanish team knew how to change the chip to take command at halftime (44-40).

After crossing 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, 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 at the scoreboard (56-55) as the last quarter approaches.

The exchange of treble marked the rebound, with Spain underperforming despite Brizuela and Joel Parra seeing the net. Bell-Haynes joined the Canadian repertoire and, with fears of Alberto Díaz possibly injured, between Shai and insider contribution Olynyk, Jordi Fernández’s men went for the game.

The extension could be avoided by the leader of the Thunder, but the additional time was a Spanish drought, until a new demonstration of pride. Garuba, Claver and Juan Núñez assumed the 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 tweaking the job.

TECHNICAL SHEET:

–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) –starting five–, Alexander-Walker (6), Ejim (2), Edey (5), Bell-Haynes (4), Dort (-).