Determined Spain blanket France in women's 3x3 blockbuster at Paris Olympics

PARIS (France) - Confident Spain inflicted a second straight loss for host France at the Paris Olympics after a hard-fought women's blockbuster on day two. 

Sandra Ygueravide and Vega Gimeno combined for 16 points and Spain stepped up their defensive intensity to stifle France, who were left frustrated for the second straight day. 

There was history attached to the game, with the teams playing for the first time against each other in Paris since the epic Europe Cup 2021 semi-final. 

Both teams had two players remaining from that classic won by Spain en route to an emotional title. 

France were determined to rebound after suffering a heart-breaking OT defeat to China on day one in front of their passionate fans.

But Spain got the jump through their inspirational leader Sandra Ygueravide, the MVP in Spain's Europe Cup triumph three years ago, who started hot to ensure there was silence in the bleachers. 

France stormed back as Marie-Eve Paget went bang, while former Europe Cup MVP Myriam Djekoundade had a pretty finish for the and-1.

Superstar Laetitia Guapo heated up and showcased her electric moves much to the delight of her adoring fans proudly waving French flags in the bleachers.

Nothing separated the teams, whose defenses stepped up during the nerve-jangling final moments as the game predictably went down to the wire. 

But Spain held their nerve with Gimeno hitting a clutch bank shot before Ygueravide finished it off with a pretty finger roll. 

Spain remain undefeated after their opening victory over Azerbaijan. 

Key Player: Ygueravide continued her love affair with Paris to ignite Spain and she also provided composure down the stretch. She finished with a game-high 9 points as she starts her maiden Olympics in fine fashion. 

FIBA