Author: Serg Atrakhov, Monojit Mandal
Brazil – Spain – 78:96 (22-21, 20-29, 17-14, 19-32)
In the second round, two world champions met in Group G. The current title holders, Spain, turned out to be stronger, but the South American team can be proud of themselves. Brazil won the first quarter – 22:21. After the second quarter, Selesao was only 8 points behind – 42:50. Before the final quarter, she managed to close the gap to minus 5 points – 59:64. Unfortunately, the end of the match went to their opponents. The reigning world and European champion led by 21 points, but in the end finished with a lead of 78:96.
📺 The reigning champs improve to a 2-0 record after cruising past Brazil!#FIBAWC x #WinForEspana 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/vKeg70B0o9
– FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2023
The Spanish team showed their superiority on the court under the strategic direction of coach Sergio Scariolo, holding the lead for an incredible 33 minutes of play, including the entire second half. They skillfully consolidated their position in the fourth quarter, racing out to an astonishing 21-point lead. The bench players were crucial, contributing an astonishing 50 points, with Santi Aldama of the Memphis Grizzlies stealing the show with an incredible 15 points.
19-year-old Juan Nunez leads Spain to the next round, earning TCL Player Of The Game honors in the process! 🇪🇸
📊 13 PTS | 7 REB | 5 AST | 2 STL#FIBAWC x #WinForEspana | #InspireGreatness pic.twitter.com/JMecAwOr6P
– FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2023
Starting point guard Juan Nunez emerged as a driving force for the Spanish team, scoring 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Nunez’s excellent efforts resulted in an efficiency rating of 21, the highest in the squad. Willy Hernangomez also had a strong game, scoring 14 points, while Alberto Diaz scored 11 points.
De Dunk by De Paula! 💥 #FIBAWC x #WinForBrasil 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/dZi5T48s9f
– FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2023
On the other side of the court, former NBA player Bruno Caboclo emerged as a threatening presence for Brazil, recording an impressive double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds, as well as three important blocks, with an incredible efficiency rating of 25. Yago dos Santos also contributed 14 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Spain thus progressed to the second round of the tournament ahead of schedule. They’ve also been there: Canada, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro and the United States. Brazil have a chance of joining them if they beat Côte d’Ivoire on matchday three
Ivory Coast – Iran – 71:69
Cote d’Ivoire held their nerve late on to claim their first win! 🐘🇨🇮#FIBAWC x #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/bBL0u4qSi5
– FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 28, 2023
In a parallel game within the group, Côte d’Ivoire secured their first win at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 with a thrilling 71-69 victory over Iran. The dramatic clash took place at the Indonesia Arena in Jakarta and held the audience spellbound with its surprising twists and turns.
Iran looked to be on the verge of victory when Arsalan Kazemi gave them a 69-68 lead with 13 seconds remaining, thanks to a well-executed assist from Sajjad Mashayekhi. Ivory Coast, on the other hand, showed nerves when Solo Diabate conceded a vital free-kick from Mohammad Amini immediately after a break. As a result of this turn of events, Iran’s coach, Hakan Demir, received a technical foul, leaving the Iranian team visibly dejected. Diabate took advantage of the situation, converting all three of his free kicks with precision.
In the final seconds of the game, Behnam Yakhchali had the chance to seal Iran’s victory with a difficult three-point attempt, but his shot missed. Ivory Coast secured their first win in Group G, while Iran suffered their second consecutive defeat, dropping their record to 0-2.
Results of the second round matches
August 27th
- Italy-Dominican Republic – 82-87
- Australia – Germany 82:85
- Montenegro – Egypt – 89:74
- Lebanon – Canada – 73:128
- Philippines-Angola – 70:80
- Japan-Finland – 98:88
- Lithuania-Mexico – 96:66
- France – Latvia – 86:88 (Latvia, debutants at the World Championship, won their second game in the group stage. After an excellent final quarter – 26-12 – Latvia beat France, ranked fifth in the world)
August 28th
- Venezuela – Cape Verde – 75:81
- China – South Sudan – 69:89
- New Zealand – Jordan – 95:87
- Ivory Coast – Iran – 71:69
- Georgia – Slovenia – 67:88
- Puerto Rico-Serbia – 77:94
- Greece – USA – 81:109
- BRAZIL – Spain – 78:96
Related material: Brazil starts World Basketball Championship with a win over Iran – 100:59