Torrens hails historic moment in Spain’s basketball

RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Having tried but fallen shorten time and again, it's understandable why Alba Torrens called it "a historic moment" when Spain earned a first-ever Olympic medal in Rio on Saturday.

After failing to make it to the Quarter-Finals on two occasions (2004 and 2008), Torrens and Co arrived in Brazil determined to change the course of history.

The dream came true following their 101-72 defeat to the USA in the Gold Medal Game.

Torrens led all scorers with a game-high 18 points and is heading back home with a silver medal around her neck.

The 26-year-old has a feeling of accomplishment. 

Spain won their first-ever Olympics medal

"It's something historical for our country," the 1.91m small forward said. "You dream to be in the Olympic Games, it's, I don't know, something amazing. Right now, to have this medal, I don't find the words to explain that."

The gold medal, Torrens admitted, could make a difference in Spain's women's basketball and the local press is taking note.

"I think that this medal pays off for so much work. Not just this tournament, not just this year, not just this last year. So it's a long time that Spanish basketball is working so hard. We are getting good results and I think this one is a pay-off for the hard work."

FIBA