POL/ESP - Game of Day 1 - Poland's near upset

PANEVEZYS (EuroBasket 2011) - There's nothing quite like an opening day upset at the EuroBasket and Poland almost pulled off what would have been a colossal one.

Taking on defending champions Spain, a team that had run roughshod over most opponents in the build-up to Lithuania, Poland nearly clawed back a 17-point deficit against Spain but fell 83-78.

With 17 seconds remaining, two free-throws by Poland shooting guard Thomas Kelati cut Spain's lead to 80-78.

The Poles quickly fouled, but chose the wrong player to put on the line.

Juan Carlos Navarro sank both free-throws to stretch the advantage back to four.

Lukasz Koszarek, Poland's point guard, then had his pass intercepted by Pau Gasol and Spain held on for the win.

No one has given Poland much of a chance to win games this summer without twin towers Marcin Gortat and Maciej Lampe, who didn't travel with the team to the EuroBasket.

On the evidence of their performance against Spain, however, the Ales Pipan-coached Poles can play against any team.

"At the beginning, we played too nervously," Koszarek said.

"We made too many mistakes.

"But we came back into the game and in the end we showed we can compete at the EuroBasket."

Spain know they dodged a bullet.

"The first game is difficult," Spain point guard Ricky Rubio said.

"The positive thing is the win, but we must improve in a lot of ways."

FIBA