ESP/CAN - Spain builds momentum as knockouts approach
IZMIR (FIBA World Championship) – Spain have recorded their second straight win, 89-67 over Canada, to take some momentum into their Eight Final clash with Greece or Russia.
Rudy Fernandez was dynamic for Spain with 19 points and 5 rebounds in 23 minutes, while Fran Vazquez (19 points, 5 rebounds) enjoyed his most extensive court time for the tournament.
For the winless Canada, Kelly Olynyk (14 points), Jevohn Sheperd (12 points) and Jermaine Anderson (11 points) were contributors.
Both teams ran free early in the game in an open and fast affair, with 23 three point shots taken in the first half. Canada hit 6/11 and used triples from Shepherd, Kelly Olynyk and Anderson to fight back from a double figure deficit to 32-34 late in the second term.
Spain extended the lead to five by halftime and then to 11 on a Felipe Reyes layup with three minutes to play in the third. When Alex Mumbru scored on a fast break just before the three quarter time buzzer the score was 63-48 and the Canadian challenge effectively over.
You can see the complete highlights of the game and an interview with Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio at FIBATV.Com.
Quotes:
Jermaine Anderson (player, Canada) : We fought hard. Unfortunately we could not have a win but we improved ourselves and our development as a team will continue. We also need to improve ourselves individually. We are still too young and learning something in every match. Canada will be more ready by the next tournament. We can learn our different sides if we spend more time as a team.
Leo Rautins (coach, Canada) : We played serious games against powerful teams with a very young squad. This was very experienced for us even we could not have a win. All of my players did their best in this week. Our ratings are low in official tournaments while we have NBA players. We need more time, if you think even Jermaine attended a tournament as a point guard first time.
Sergio Scariolo (coach, Spain): I think we were successful on offense. I preferred to rest players like Navarro and use young ones. We played good matches in this group, but we have to keep our concentration for our next match. Canada were successful but they must unite as a team which will raise their performance in my opinion. They were capable of winning two matches in tournament. They will be better in the next tournament.
Alex Mumbru (player, Spain): It was an important game to prepare for the next match. We are happy to play a good game, Canada has promising young players. They play hard and because of this they can achieve good results in the future.
FIBA
Paulo Kennedy
