The forecast was right. This Spain has the blood type of heroes and nothing can be ruled out, but at the opening of the Olympic Games, Australia reminded her that everything will be more difficult than it has been so far for national basketball. Sergio Scariolo’s men lost 92-80 in Lille, the Olympic sub-venue for this group stage against an opponent that proved to be better for practically the entire 40 minutes and makes it very difficult for them to make it to the quarter-finals.
The final result, 12 points difference, It was perhaps excessive, the result of two Australian triples in the epilogue, but they do not hide the fact that Spain, right now, seems a couple of points below the medal hopefuls, among whom it could also be placed. to Greece and Canadatheir other two group rivals. Things are looking tough, even though with this Spain nothing is ever ruled out.
A terrible start to the match
The poor first quarter, with 31 points conceded, was a burden against which a Spain led by an omnipresent Aldama (27 points) He tried to fight back afterwards, managing to get on the scoreboard. But he always gave the impression that the Australia of Giddey, Landale and Mills I was in control of what was happening, ready to accelerate when necessary.
The Oceanic team started the morning by deploying on the court like a cyclone, overwhelming a shaky and imprecise Spain. Scariolo’s players were unable to stop them. Giddey’s offensive attacksThe Bulls’ shooting guard was in control of the game, with Landale’s support between the hoops. Too much for a Spain that was already losing by 11 points after five minutes (18-7).
The bleeding was mitigated as Scariolo was taking his second unit out of the bullpen, with Rudy, Llull and Garubamore physical and prepared for the mud than the first. This was demonstrated by Garuba, who did not hesitate to provoke a small attempt at a brawl with the Australians, one of those tricks that interrupt the rhythm of the games, even if the cost is unsportsmanlike.
Jack McVeigh and Santi Aldama in Australia – Spain. / Mark J. Terrill / AP
Llull plays rebato
Spain conceded 31 points in a single quarter, an outrage that Llull made up for at the start of the second quarterwith two three-pointers that brought the team closer (31-27) and above all tempered the ‘aussie’ momentum, favoured by the minutes of rest of a Giddey who too often found a way to hurt the Spanish defence.
The 49-42 at half-time was even good For Scariolo’s men, in addition to a faithful reflection of the dynamics of the match, the team was forced to optimize its scoring flow to compete for victory, as well as mitigate its defensive mistakes. And they did so as soon as they returned from the break, with a partial of 5-14 that led him to take the lead on the scoreboard in four minutes (54-56), thanks to the success of Abrines and Aldama and the firmness of Willy in the boilers.
Mills stops Spain’s reaction
Australia, however, responded with two three-pointers practically in a row and increased their determination on the rebound. They set off alarm bells, in short, when they saw that Spain was getting on their backs and took back control of the game with Mills at the helm. They cemented their position The Oceanians had a 15-4 run in the final six minutes of the fourth that raised a huge wall again (69-60).
Sergio Scariolo, during Australia – Spain. / Associated Press/LaPresse
Llull, with eight consecutive points Within three minutes, Australia tightened the score again (73-68). But as had happened in the previous quarter, Australia reacted as soon as it felt threatened, again with Mills leading the Oceanic attacks, with Landale always ruling the rebounds.
A partial of 13-5, with Giddey is back at the partyleft everything clear for the decision with just over two minutes left. Two final three-pointers brought the final difference up to 12 points, perhaps too much and also a cause for concern, since the basket average can be decisive. On Tuesday, against Greece, Spain will play almost everything, with the group phase closing on Friday against Canada.
2024-07-27 11:02:35
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