No Rubio? No problem ! Strongly diminished before attacking the defense of its title of world champion, Spain passed a life-size test on Friday evening with the reception of Slovenia by Luka Doncic. An amply successful test since Sergio Scariolo’s players won 99-79 in Málaga. A 20-point victory, with 18 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds from Santi Aldama, and 17 points each from Juancho and Willy Hernangomez.
Opposite, Luka Doncic fell back into his failings with annoyance, faults, and the Slovenian leader only played 17 minutes. Time for him to accumulate 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. His long stint on the bench, after the 1st quarter, is the turning point of the match, and Klemen Prepelic (11 points) and Mike Tobey (10 points) did not fill the gaps. At -12 at the end of the 3rd quarter, Slovenia took on water in the last quarter, no doubt in anticipation of tonight’s meeting.
On the Spanish side, bad news, the injury exit of Usman Garuba, victim of a sprained ankle after a rebound battle.
This evening, Slovenia faces the United States, in the same room. Sunday, it will be the turn of the Spaniards to compete against the Americans.
Photo credit: FIBA.com
