ESP/ANG – Spain get rid of USA hangover with easy win against Angola

BEIJING (Olympics) – It took Spain a while to get going but once they did, they blew out Angola 98-50 for their fourth win in five games at the Olympics.

The FIBA Africa champions led 25-15 early in the second quarter before Spain went on a 25-2 run to take command.

At half-time, the lead was 46-24 and Aito Garcia Reneses’ men then outscored Angola 31-11 in the third quarter to put the result beyond doubt.

Spain, who were steamrolled by gold-medal favourites the United States on Saturday, will take on Croatia in the quarter-finals which tip off on Wednesday.

It was important for Spain to bring the feel-good factor back in the game against Angola.

"We are in a better position than three days ago,” Garcia said.

“Our psychological situation has improved since the defeat to Team USA. We are aware that a game can be won or lost. The most important thing is to be psychologically prepared for a game.”

It’s going to take more than a victory over Angola to convince the world that Garcia’s men are good enough to beat the United States after their woeful display in Saturday’s game.

Jorge Garbajosa, who had 10 points and eight rebounds against the Angolans, said to FIBA.com: “It wasn’t a matter of damaging our confidence. When you play against a good team like they (Team USA) are, you can win and you can lose.

“But the way that we lost hurt us a little bit. It was a bad night for us. We didn’t approach the game in the right way. But the next morning, you have to try and forget it, learn from the mistakes and get ready for the next game.

“We know what we did in the wrong way and we know we can build from that.”

Pau Gasol had 31 points and nine rebounds to lead Spain against Angola.

Now Spain will focus on quarter-final opponents Croatia, a team that beat them at last year’s EuroBasket in Seville.

"I believe this system of competition is hard,” Garcia said.

“It really doesn't matter if you finish first, second, third or fourth in the group because everything comes down to one game.

"We have to accept that this is the case. Now our focus is on Croatia. The majority of the Croatian players have played in Spain. They are a complete team."


FIBA