In an expected “final”, Canada beat Spain this Sunday in a duel that lived up to expectations with the outcome of a heart attack.

The current champion says goodbye despite the large number of Willy Hernangómez and Santi Aldama.

Willy Hernangómez, the best of the first half

All or nothing. It was an early final for the current world and European champion. Scariolo’s side came out very plugged in and on their first attack two of their best players connected: Juan Núñez, the revelation, backed up Willy Hernangómez. The Canadian team, one of the favorites, did not back down start with an attacking and regular rhythm (6-7 with 6:39 to play).

“La Familia” dominated the clash. He accumulated more approximations and his rival was already in bonus due to a Spanish foul. Team North America varied their defenses and ended their offensive drought with a free three-point shot. From the outside, Jordi Fernández’s team tried their luck by responding to the Spanish exchange of blows (18-16 with 2’07 remaining).

Sergio Llull, uncertain for this match, entered the final stretch of the first quarter. The Spanish full-back couldn’t contribute any points and gave direction to the Spanish game. Spain struggled to defend their opponent’s open three points in which Barnet stood out. Scariolo’s block responded with a triple from Alberto Díaz to end the first quarter tied at 21.

The start of the second quarter was an outside battle, as both teams scored from the 6.75-yard line. Aldama scored the first five points for the Spanish team against a Canada that responded to the attacking pace, punishing an error by their opponent completing a block (26-26 with 7:20 to play).

Aldama also contributed by giving assists in a frantic game of physical demand. During static attacks, both squads advanced their defenses. The tie continued over the minutes as the outside game alternated with the inside game (33-33 with 3:50 remaining).

Abrines emerged in the second half. The Barca striker scored two trebles in a quarter where it was difficult to break into the Canadian zone, except for Willy Hernangómez who led the series 7-0 with four consecutive points to add now 14.

The Barca player was still superior at the low post with his unstoppable lay-ups. Willy also excelled as an assistant, allowing his brother Juancho to participate in a vertical choral piece that maintained the seven-point lead.

In the final part of the first half, Spain increased their income in defense and in a second quarter led by Willy Hernangómez, who arrived at halftime with 18 points, surpassing his average of 16, 5. The fight for the rebound was also crucial as Scariolo’s team outplayed Fernández’s (48-38).

Canada meets Germany

Canada claimed Spain early in the second half. Scariolo’s men had already racked up three team fouls: “Enough fouls,” said the Italian coach, angry at his side’s debut. The Canadian team reduced the gap before the offensive blocking and the drop in the defensive level of its rival (50-44 with 7:32 to play). The current world champion was already a bonus.

Fernández’s block managed to cause important players from Spain to foul (Willy, Juancho and Abrines) and extended their superiority in both areas and leveled the game with a basket from Brooks which caused the timeout of Scariolo (52-52 with a loss of 5: 46). The transalpine coach highlighted his opponent’s lateral pick and roll.

After the timeout, Rudy Fernández led the Spanish arreón. ‘La Familia’ improved considerably in attack – they had only scored four points – scoring 14 to regain the initiative on the scoreboard. Spain followed the pace of Santi Aldama, with a beastly dunk included, which forced Jordi Fernández time out after conceding a point at 0-7 (69-61 with 1:32 remaining).

The last seconds reaffirmed the change of trend: Spain dominated in both areas and ended the third quarter with a masterful “alley oop” from Garuba in a third quarter where Spain were overtaken and ended up being superior to Canada (73-61).

The North American team threatened to return. He went 0-8 in the first three minutes of the race. The Canadian zone defense bypassed the Spanish offensive, being only a mirage at the start of the third quarter (73-69 with 7.08 to play).

The rebound supported ‘La Familia’, which ended its drought thanks to Aldama’s anticipation. The striker scored 17 points (7 of 11 from the field) and was close to teammate Willy’s 23, who returned to the floor deadly on free throws (9/10 accuracy).

The current world champion struggled to complete the offensive rebound. With him, those of Fernández added points in a tight final stretch. The four-point gap widened for several seconds with Spain already in the bonus.

The Canadian cast was tight. He came within a point of forcing overtime. His defense was decisive when Spain reduced their offensive contribution and Canada equalized with one minute remaining thanks to an open triple from Brooks. Alexander completed the comeback by forcing the Spanish timeout (80-82 with 36 seconds remaining). Fernández’s block took his earnings to four points and ‘La Familia’ was on the ropes. Juan Núñez scored a superb basket in front of the ring to be twice in overtime. Again, he was placed at four with 13 seconds left. Aldama kept hope with a central triple.