Group C Review - Lyttle keeps Spain On winning path; brave Mali make Brazil work hard for victory

BRNO (2010 FIBA World Championship for Women)  - Spain survived a late Korea comeback to claim an 84-69 Group C victory on Friday.

In the other pool game, an impressive Mali pushed Brazil to the limit before falling 80-73.

Unlike Thursday's easy triumph over Mali, the Spaniards were tested by a never-say-die Korea team that had upset Brazil in the closing seconds of their opening game.

Spain appeared to be in command with a 57-43 lead late in the third quarter but the Koreans clawed their way back to 66-60 with 4:56 to go.

The Spaniards stepped on the accelerator and outscored their opponents 18-9 the rest of the way.

Spanish veteran Amaya Valdemoro had seven points in that run and finished with 17 while Anna Montañana contributed 15, and visited with FIBATV.com after the victory.

"This was a good win for us," said Montañana.

"Korea came into the game strong after their win over Brazil.

"They are a tough team to play and we had to be focused for 40 minutes."

Korea got 15 points off 12 Spanish turnovers and were 10 of 23 (43%) from behind the arc.

Ha Yeon Beon led Korea with 23 points and was one of four players that finished in double figures for the Asian side.

"Everybody does every everything in this Korean team," said Montañana.

"Everyone can shoot, everybody moves all the time.

"As soon as you turn, around they had scored.

"It is a really uncomfortable team to play against."

Sancho Lyttle again stole the show for the Spaniards, pouring nine of her game-high 28 points in the final quarter.

Lyttle was 12 of 14 (86%) from the floor and also had 15 rebounds.

"It's very important to have her in the team," said Montañana.

"She is a great player and would do well in any team.

"She is very mobile in the five position.

"Lyttle joined the team just three days ago after playing in the WNBA Finals but it's very easy to play with her and to adapt to her game.

"She moves well on the court, defensively and offensively."

Montañana believes this triumph will be a big boost in confidence ahead of tomorrow's clash with Brazil.

"There's a big rivalry between Brazil and us," she said. "Tomorrow it will be a very tough game but great fun, too."

Korea take on Mali tomorrow and have reason to be wary.

The African side put Brazil on the ropes for 35 minutes before running out of steam.

Trailing 54-52 with 2:13 to go in the third quarter, Brazil's Iziane poured in four points in a 6-0 run to put the South Americans ahead, 58-54 heading into the final quarter.

Herve Coudray's side cut the deficit 64-62 with 6:33 remaining.

Brazil outscored Mali 14-11 the rest of the way.

Mali out-rebounded Brazil 46-28.

Brazil guards Iziane and Helen came up strong for the South Americans when it mattered.

Helen had 15 of her game-high 20 points in the second half while Iziane poured in nine of her 17 in the final quarter, and visited with FIBATV.com after the win.

Mali center Djene Diaware had a team-high 15 points.

"A coach can never be happy with a defeat," said Coudray. "But we learned a lot. We played a great game.

"Brazil team did not have a lot of confidence after yesterday's defeat.

"We didn't play yesterday, we didn't give ourselves a chance to win that game or play the best we could. But today we did.

"We played well and we can do better.

"We made some mistakes, we struggled against their zone and we allowed Iziane open shots, especially in the final quarter and I think that made the difference."

Brazil coach Carlos Colinas was relieved his team escaped unharmed.

"We played badly," he said.

"I think the players feel a lot of responsibility and for some reason that doesn't allow them to play with happiness. We were never able to run away and Mali grew in confidence.

"My players have experience and I'm sure they will improve against Spain tomorrow."

Group C games live on FIBATV.com September 25:

Mali vs. Korea - 13.15 GMT - Live on FIBATV.com
Brazil vs. Spain - 16.00 GMT - Live on FIBATV.com

FIBA