By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
With the World Cup just two weeks away, the defending champions already show strong form. Spain dominated Slovenia in the opening match of the preparatory tournament in Malaga, winning 99-79, particularly excelling in the second and fourth quarters.
Santi Aldama of the Memphis Grizzlies led the winning side with 18 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, while Willy and Juancho Hernangomez each contributed 17 points. Alex Abrines followed closely with 13 points.
Luka Doncic had an injury scare during the first half but returned to the court to finish the match with 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists. He checked out in the fourth period while Slovenia was 15 points down. Klemen Prepelic and Jaka Blazic each added 11 points, while Mike Tobey and Gregor Hrovat scored 10 points apiece.
LUKA DONCIC. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? HOW?? pic.twitter.com/2F8ntWO7SB
— The Mavs Blog (@TheMavsBlog) August 11, 2023
Slovenia opened the match with a 9-0 run and then maintained a 23-10 lead midway through the first period. However, Spain responded with a 14-3 run, narrowing the deficit to just 26-27 by the end of the first 10 minutes. The hosts surged again in the final minutes of the second period, securing an 11-2 run and a 51-41 lead at halftime.
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Doncic and his teammates responded in the third period, closing within four points. Nevertheless, Spain once again gained momentum in the closing minutes, reestablishing a double-digit lead before the final quarter. The game became increasingly one-sided in the last period, as the Spanish team secured a 20-point lead, sealing the victory.
Señoras y señores, el 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘 ya está aquí.
🦍 WILLY HERNANGÓMEZ 🦍
📹 @BaloncestoESP | @willyhg94 | #SelMAS 🇪🇸pic.twitter.com/36dDAseRBi
— Liga Endesa (@ACBCOM) August 11, 2023
Slovenia is set to face Team USA on Saturday (12/09), while Spain will compete against Steve Kerr’s squad on the last day of the tournament, with the game scheduled for Sunday (13/09).