ESP/BRA - Spain top Brazil as Varejao is hurt

LOGRONO (FIBA World Championship) - Spain extended their unbeaten run in the build-up to the FIBA World Championship but Brazil suffered a double blow as Anderson Varejao sprained his ankle in an 84-68 loss in Logrono.

Brazil now face an anxious wait for news on their star center.

"He sprained his right ankle after an opponent fell on him," said team doctor Carlos Andreoli.

"An x-ray showed no break. We have given him medication and a protective boot, and there will be an MRI on Wednesday to determine the extent of the injury."

Brazil were already staring defeat in the face when Varejao was forced out in the fourth quarter.

Having trailed 44-34 at half-time, Brazil were much improved in the third quarter and they stormed back to take a 51-49 lead on a basket from Marquinhos.

But a three-pointer from Sergio Llull put Spain back in front and they quickly found their poise once again to pull clear.

They were back in front 64-55 going into the fourth quarter and this time Brazil had no response, their frustration obvious as coach Ruben Magnano was charged with a second technical foul moments after Varejao's exit.

Juan Carlos Navarro led Spain with 13 points while Jorge Garbajosa and Fernando San Emeterio added 10 each.

Marcelinho Machado had 14 points to lead Brazil while Leandro Barbosa added 12.

Marc Gasol sat out the game with a back injury suffered at the weekend, while Rudy Fernandez was also absent.

Brazil were missing Tiago Splitter and Nene.

Spain could be satisfied with their work as they wrapped up their home friendlies.

"What we wanted to do in this game, we have achieved," coach Sergio Scariolo said.

"We wanted to have more minutes of defensive intensity, to play on the counterattack and in transition, and to force errors and get offensive rebounds."

However, Scariolo said his team must do better with defensive rebounding.

Fran Vazquez added: "This victory gives us extra motivation.

"The games we've had here have been against tough competitors like those we will meet in Turkey. We've been able to win which is what we must do."

FIBA

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