Game Report, Spain vs Canada 85-57, Eight-Finals

IBIRAPUERA (2006 FIBA World Championship for Women) - Amaya Valdemoro exploded for 28 points to fire Spain to a comprehensive triumph over Canada in Group E of eight-finals action.

Having fought bravely in a 72-68 defeat to Australia on Saturday when they fell behind early, Valdemoro made sure of victory one day later by sinking 11 of 20 shots from the field, including three of nine from three-point rage, and also three of her free throws.

Spain's most famous player also came up with five steals to lead a defense which had 15 in all.

The Spanish defense was a big factor, forcing Canada into 23 turnovers for the game.

Valdemoro & Co turned it over just nine times.

Canada played well in the opening stages and took their last lead at 29-27 with 6:35 to play in the first half on Tammy Sutton-Brown's three-point play.

But Laia Palau's three-pointer with 4:08 remaining in the second quarter put Spain in front for good.

Ana Montañana's shot from the arc gave the Spaniards their biggest advantage at 43-33 and when Valdemoro scored four straight points after the restart, her side was on its way to an impressive victory.

As a team, Spain were nine of 25 (36%) from three-point range. Inside the arc, they were 25 of 45 (45%).

Marta Fernandez was the only other Spanish player in double figures with 15 points. She also came up with two steals

Valdemoro was troubled by injury before this tournament in Brazil and was not fully fit once the event got underway, but she now appears to be approaching her best.

She and her Spanish team-mates captured a bronze medal at last year's EuroBasket and they could be a very dangerous team in the business end of this tournament.

Canada, who suffered a narrow defeat in their first eight-finals clash to Argentina on Saturday, are now in a must-win situation going into Monday's game against tournament hosts Brazil.

17.09.2006 Boxscores

Senegal vs Nigeria: 66-64
Brazil vs Australia: 73-82
Argentina vs Lithuania: 47-62
Russia vs Czech Republic: 83-85
Spain vs Canada: 85-57
USA vs France: 76-41
Korea vs Chinese Taipei: 73-52
China vs Cuba: 73-70

PA Sport