It’s more than just Luka Doncic: Spain couldn’t stop Slovenia / News - Basketnews.com

In the final match of the Olympic group stage, Slovenia (3-0) edged out Spain (2-1) 95-87 (20-24, 21-20, 27-26, 27-17) to finish first in Group C. Slovenia will be part of the first seeding pot, while Spain ended up in the second one. The quarter-finals matchups will be determined in a draw later today.

Player of the Game EFF 22 Mike Tobey Points 16 Accuracy 7-12 Rebounds 14 Assists 3

Luka Doncic struggled with foul trouble and turnovers, finishing the game with 12 points (2/7 FG, 6/11 F), 14 rebounds, 9 assists, and 5 turnovers. Vlatko Cancar made up for it by scoring 22 points (8/12 FG) to lead his team in scoring.

For Spain, Ricky Rubio paved the way once more. The floor general ended with 18 points but struggled shooting the ball. He only made 7 of 23 shots, including 1 for 8 from 3-point range.

Both teams started the game hot. Vlatko Cancar scored eight of his team's first 12 points. However, after the second 3-pointer by Rudy Fernandez, Spain gained a 17-12 advantage. Luka Doncic committed his second personal foul with 3:55 remaining but stayed on the floor. The Slovenian superstar recorded his second offensive and third foul overall with less than a minute remaining and had to be taken out of the game. Spain had a four-point advantage after one (20-24).

Slovenia started the second period with two straight threes from Jaka Blazic and Edo Muric. Sergio Llull responded with five points and lobbed the ball to Willy Hernangomez to give his team the lead back and force Aleksander Sekulic to bring Doncic back on the floor with 5:24 remaining. Spain did not give him any easy looks, constantly switching their defensive schemes. Luka was forced to work hard on offense and scored all four of his points in the quarter from the free-throw line. Along with three fouls, he also finished the half with four turnovers. However, Doncic did have nine rebounds, five assists, and eight points, with his team down by three at halftime (41-44).

Slovenia / Schedule

Slovenia Japan116-81 Spain Slovenia87-95 Slovenia GermanyTue01:00

Spain came out guns blazing in the second half. Back-to-back threes from Rudy Fernandez helped his team gain their largest lead of the game (43-55). Doncic scored only his second field goal toward the middle of the period to bring Slovenia within seven (50-57). They continued breathing down Spain's neck and cut their deficit to three with 3:28 to go. Slovenia committed two straight technical fouls, but that didn't stop them from tying the game at 68 with under a minute to go. Sergio Llull finished the quarter with two free throws to give his team a two-point advantage.

The lead changed hands often to start the final quarter. The game was tied with 7 minutes to go. However, Alberto Abalde and Pau Gasol's 3-pointers put Spain in front 76-82. Slovenia did not roll over and were back in front after Cancar's free throws with 3:35 remaining. Mike Tobey converted an alley-oop with 1:39 to go and gave his team a three-point lead (86-83). Rubio's layup cut Spain's deficit to one after stolen ball at the next Slovenian possession. He tried to put his team in front but missed a pull-up jumper. Alberto Abalde had a chance to give Spain a two-point lead with under 20 seconds to go, but his 3-pointer was off the mark. Klemen Prepelic converted both free throws with 13.4 remaining to put Slovenia in front by three. Rubio had a decent attempt from three but missed again, letting Slovenia come out victorious 95-87.

Both teams fired away from range this game. Spain made 16 of 44 3-pointers, while Slovenia converted 12 of 38 long-range attempts.

Slovenia: Vlatko Cancar 22 (4/7 3PT), Mike Tobey 16 (14 rebounds), Klemen Prepelic 15, Luka Doncic 12 (14 rebounds, 9 assists, 5 turnovers), Jaka Blazic 10.

Spain: Ricky Rubio 18 (9 assists), Alberto Abalde 14, Sergio Llull 12, Rudy Fernandez 12, Marc Gasol 9, Pau Gasol 8.

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