Game Report, Argentina vs Spain 77-65, Group A

IBIRAPUERA (2006 FIBA World Championship for Women) - Argentina showed their opening day effort against Brazil was no fluke by beating Spain 77-65 in Group A.

Narrowly beaten by the tournament hosts on Tuesday, 71-69, Eduardo Pinto's players rebounded in style against a Spanish side that won bronze medals at the last two EuroBaskets.

Gisela Vega, a center with Real Canoe in Spain, had a game-high 24 points and 12 rebounds as the South Americans capitalized on veteran Amaya Valdemoro being able to play just under four minutes for the Spanish.

Spain looked to be in control when they moved in front of Argentina by five points late in the third quarter.

That's when the European team's shooters went cold and failed to score for six minutes.

Meanwhile, Natalia Rios' jump shot and Erica Sanchez's two free throws sparked a 16-0 run for Argentina.

Their surge ended up being capped by three-balls from Vega and Rios to give Argentina a 64-53 lead.

The closest Spain would get the rest of the way would be at 68-59 with 2:35 left in the game after an Ana Montanana lay-up.

Laia Palau had 21 points for Spain, who had beaten Korea in their opening game.

Spain finished their Group A campaign against Brazil on Thursday while Argentina take on Korea.

Argentina shot well from long range, making seven of 13 (53.8%) while Spain were four of 17 (23.5%).

Day 2 boxscores:

Spain vs Argentina: 64-77
Chinese Taipei vs France: 68-100
Brazil vs Korea: 106-86
China vs Russia: 66-86
Canada vs Lithuania: 58-84
Czech Republic vs Cuba: 73-51
Australia vs Senegal: 95-55
Nigeria vs USA: 46-79

PA Sport