Spain’s basketball men’s national team lifted their second FIBA World Cup crown after thrashing Argentina 95-75 in the final match on Sunday.
At the packed 18,000-seat Beijing’s Wukesong Arena, Spain relied on aggressive attacking play throughout the course of the game to end with a 20-point victory against its Argentine rival, reports Efe news.
It appeared to be a different Argentina team that showed up for the final; this was a team that appeared to be the opposite of the side that had put on outstanding performances over this year’s World Cup campaign, such as victories against powerhouses Serbia and France.
After the first half, Spain were 12 points ahead of Argentina with the scoreline of 43-31 and by the time game ended the difference was of 20
points.
Argentina’s Gabriel Deck was the top scorer of the game with 24 points, but couldn’t defy the loss.
Ricky Rubio scored 20 points and Sergio Llull added 15 for Spain, while Marc Gasol scored 14 to help the squad emerge victorious.
Meanwhile, Toronto Raptors center Gasol became the second player to win an NBA title and a FIBA world gold medal in the same year, joining Lamar Odom who did it for the Los Angeles Lakers and USA Basketball in 2010.
(With inputs from IANS)