Ricky Rubio leads Spain to a comfortable win over Argentina / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

A repeat of the 2019 FIBA World Cup finals wrapped up in Tokyo, with Spain (2-0) edging out Argentina (0-2) 81-71 (20-25, 20-9, 21-19, 20-18) and advancing to the quarter-finals.

Player of the Game EFF 22 Ricard Rubio Points 26 Accuracy 8-13 Rebounds 5 Assists 4

Ricky Rubio was amazing for Spain, leading them with 26 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 24 PIR.

Argentina started the game hot and gained an early 3-12 lead. However, eight quick points from Ricky Rubio put Spain in front 16-15. Nicolas Laprovittola and Facundo Campazzo were superb for the South Americans, combining for 18 of their team's 25 points in the first quarter. Campazzo recorded two of his team's five steals in the period. Their activity and scrappiness helped Argentina score nine fast break points and gain a five-point advantage after one.

Spain turned the tides around in the second period. They've only allowed Argentina to steal the ball once, which led to zero fast-break points. Without any freedom in the open court, Argentina struggled to find quality shots and only scored nine points in the entire period. For Spain, Sergio Llull and Sergio Rodriguez turned back the clock to score nine points and give their squad a six-point lead going into the half (40-34).

Spain's lead swung between four and nine points for the majority of the third period. However, the European team turned on the jets towards the end of the quarter and gained their largest lead after Pau Gasol's tip-in (61-47). Laprovittola made an amazing behind-the-back inbound pass to Nicolas Brussino, who's and-one decreased Argentina's deficit to eight to end the quarter.

The Spaniards continued to control the game in the final period and quickly regained a double-digit lead. Their advantage increased to 13 after a basket by Rudy Fernandez (69-56). Argentina took a major hit when Campazzo fouled out with 4:36 remaining, helping Spain win 81-71.

Spain: Ricky Rubio 26, Sergio Llull 10, Pau Gasol 9 (8 rebounds), Victor Claver 9, Willy Hernangomez 8, Rudy Fernandez 8, Sergio Rodriguez 6.

Argentina: Nicolas Laprovittola 27 (4 assists, 2 steals), Luis Scola 13, Facundo Campazzo 10 (4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals), Nicolas Brussino 8.

UP NEXT:

Spain and Argentina will play their final Group Stage games on Sunday. Argentina will face Japan (07:40 EEST), and Spain will challenge Luka Doncic's Slovenia for the first spot in the group (11:20 EEST).

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