GRANADA, Spain
2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup's host nation Spain smashed their neighbours France 88-64 in Group A match played in Granada on Wednesday night.
Spanish center Marc Gasol was the x-factor for the triumph against France by scoring 17 points and taking six rebounds. His brother Pau Gasol contributed the win by scoring 15 points and having four rebounds. Spanish playmaker guard Juan Carlos Navarro completed the clash with 14 points. Real Madrid point guard Sergio Llull and Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka scored 10 points each.
Meanwhile in France, Portland Trail Blazers small forward Nicolas Batum and combo guard Antoine Diot playing for French team Strasbourg IG were both top scorers for their team, they scored 11 points each. They were pursued by Orlando Magic shooting guard Evan Fournier scoring 9 points.
Unbeaten so far, Group A leaders Spain are going to meet Serbia on Thursday, the game in Granada tips off at 22.00CET.
Being in fourth position in the group, France will be playing against Iran tomorrow, the showdown between two sides begins at 18.00CET.
Wednesday's results are as follows:
Group A
Egypt - Iran: 73-88
Serbia - Brazil: 73-81
Spain - France: 88-64
Group B
Philippines - Puerto Rico: 73-77
Senegal - Argentina: 46-81
Greece - Croatia: 76-65
Group C
New Zealand - Ukraine: 73-61
Turkey - Finland: 77-73
Dominican Republic - USA: 71-106
Group D
Mexico - Australia: 62-70
Slovenia - Angola: 93-87
Lithuania - Korea: 79-49
Last games in four groups will be played on Thursday and after a one-day break Round of 16 will commence on Saturday.
Fixtures of Thursday are as follows:
Group A
Brazil v Egypt
Iran v France
Serbia v Spain
Group B
Senegal v Philippines
Croatia v Puerto Rico
Argentina v Greece
Group C
Finland v New Zealand
Ukraine v USA
Turkey v Dominican Republic
Group D
Australia v Angola
Korea v Mexico
Lithuania v Slovenia
www.aa.com.tr/en
