Spain cruise into Quarter-Finals
NANTES (2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Spain dominated the entire contest to beat Venezuela 83-55 on Wednesday and book their place in the Quarter-Finals of the 2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT).
Spain's Leonor Rodriguez sparked her team with a game-high 24 points off the bench while Roselis Silva led the way for the South Americans with a team-high 16 points.
Despite trailing the initial five minutes, Spain regained control of the game and went on to lead by as many as 29 points.
Turning Point: Marta Xargay's three-pointer gave Spain a 7-5 lead early in the opening quarter, and the Spaniards never trailed again. By half-time, Lucas Mondelo's team had already ensured a place in the Final-Phase thanks to a commanding 41-22 lead.
Stats Don't Lie: Waleska Perez scored Venezuela's first five points, but the 1.79m point guard struggled to cope with an aggressive Spain defence in the second-half. The biggest difference between the teams was the bench contribution as Spain outplayed Venezuela 45-10.
Game Hero: By coming off the bench and making all her seven field goals, Rodriguez exemplified the depth of Spain's rotation.
The Bottom Line: Throughout the 40 minutes, Spain proved too much for the South Americans. Now as winners of Group D, they advance to the Quarter-Finals looking secure a place at the Rio Olympics with a win against Korea on Friday.
FIBA