GUANGZHOU (China) - Ricky Rubio led a balanced and effective Spanish attack with 17 points and 9 assists in 101-62 demolition of Tunisia on the first day of play in Group C. Five other Spaniards scored in double figures, including Sergio Llull's 16, Juancho Hernangomez with 13, Pau Ribas and Victor Claver with 12 each, and Marc Gasol adding 10 points.

It was the opposite of the day's first game between Iran and Puerto Rico as this one stayed close for a half before La Roja ran away from the African side.

Turning Point: Tunisia was punching above its weight well into the second quarter where it held a 29-19 lead before a 23-10 run by Spain had them down by 3 at the half. The Spanish surge continued after the brake. Midway through the third quarter, Spain were ahead by 18 points and 25 as the last 10 minutes began.

TCL Player of the Game: Ricky Rubio, who also led his team with 9 assists to go with his 17 points, while shooting 55 percent from the field.

Stats Don't Lie: 59 and 52 – Spain's shooting percentages from the field and from three-point land. 30-8, the third quarter score that turned a close game into a rout.

Bottom Line: This was a strong opening run for Spain who will face a more confident Puerto Rico in game two but will surely prevail if they can play like they did in the second half.

They Said: "The first game is always tricky. At half-time we made some adjustments, we played more free, more aggressive and we ran. We had 12 players who played tonight – that’s the strength of this team. Everybody can give us something." - Spain guard Ricky Rubio

"It should be (normal to hit 17 three-pointers). If we want to compete at the top level then we should shoot with confidence and not second guess at all." Spain coach Sergio Scariolo

"The second half they played better and dominated with outside shots. We did not deserve to lose by 40 points but we should have played (the second half) like we did the first half." - Tunisia guard Omar Abada

"They made 17 three-pointers at over 50 per cent. This is not normal. We have confidence in our team. The next two games we are going to prove we are the team of the first half not the second." - Tunisia coach Mario Palma

FIBA