Spain take care of business against Japan behind a 19-0 run / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

The 2019 World Champions, Spain (1-0), faced off against the Olympic hosts, Japan (0-1), and claimed their first victory of the Tokyo Olympics 88-77 (18-14, 30-14, 21-28, 19-21).

Player of the Game EFF 22 Ricard Rubio Points 20 Accuracy 8-13 Rebounds 2 Assists 9

Ricky Rubio's layup helped Spain jump out to a quick 11-2 lead to start the game. However, Japan weathered the storm and cut their deficit to four to end the first quarter (18-14).

The home team managed to keep the game close and even tied it after a 3-pointer by Rui Hachimura (26:26). However, that's when Spain kicked into a higher gear and blew the game open. Ricky Rubio and Pau Gasol led Spain on a 19-0 run (45-26). Sergio Rodriguez finished the first half with a jump shot, giving Spain their largest lead of the game (48-28).

It seemed like Spain would continue their onslaught in the second half after they gained a 24-point lead with 4:23 to go in the third (64-42). However, Japan did not roll over and retaliated. After eight straight points from Kosuke Kanamaru and strong play from Yuta Watanabe, Japan cut their deficit to 13 after three (69-56).

Japan kept the game close in the final period. However, the best they could do was decrease their deficit to nine points toward the end of the game. Spain ended up winning by 11 (88-77).

Spain: Ricky Rubio 20 (9 assists), Victor Claver 13 (9 rebounds), Marc Gasol 12, Alex Abrines 11, Pau Gasol 9, Sergio Rodriguez 9.

Japan: Rui Hachimura 20, Yuta Watanabe 19 (8 rebounds).

UP NEXT:

Spain will face Argentina on Thursday (15:00 EEST).

Japan will try to shock Slovenia on Thursday (07:40 EEST).

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