Game Report, Australia vs Spain 72-68, Eight-Finals

IBIRAPUERA (2006 FIBA World Championship for Women) - Spain dug themselves an early hole they could not climb out of as Australia remained undefeated at the FIBA World Championship for Women.

The Opals, who were hardly tested in Group B, started well against Spain and opened up a 22-10 lead by the end of the first quarter.

They would end up needing that cushion as Spain outscored them in each of the next three periods but came up short.

Amaya Valdemoro had 19 points and six rebounds for Spain, who killed themselves at the free throw line by making just 13 of 23 (57%) attempts.

Penny Taylor had 13 points for Australia, who out-rebounded Spain 31-19 but turned the ball over 18 times to just 10 for Spain.

Laia Palau and Valdemoro each had three steals for the Spanish as they fought desperately to get back into the game.

Lauren Jackson was held to just 11 points for Australia on four of eight shooting in 22 minutes.

16.09.2006 Boxscores

Brazil vs Lithuania: 84-67
Chinese Taipei vs Nigeria: 81-77
Canada vs Argentina: 58-62
France vs Russia:  74-64
Australia vs Spain: 72-68
Republic Czech vs China: 79-73
Korea vs Senegal: 75-69
Cuba vs USA: 50-90

PA Sport