Spain's EuroBasket dreams crushed by an excellent Slovenia side
Slovenia triumphed 92-72 in the EuroBasket semifinals, sentencing Spain to the battle for bronze
Charles dowles
Viernes, 15 de septiembre 2017, 16:25
Spain were no match for Slovenia's sharpshooting on Thursday night as they crashed out of the EuroBasket finals at the semifinal stage.
After the first two quarters, the final was still well in sight for Spain as the scoreline read 49-45 to Slovenia, a mere four-point gap.
Despite the relative parity at halftime, Slovenia's dominant performance in the final two quarters put the game to bed. The third quarter in particular was the nail in the coffin as Slovenia extended their lead to 16 points.
From this point there was no way back for Scariolo's side, and Slovenia went on to win the final quarter 19-15, ensuring that their rivals would head for the bronze medal play-off with their tails between their legs.
The three-time champions were crying out for a star in their own ranks, but Marc Gasol, who was so influential in the quarterfinal against Germany, missed countless offensive shots, and was caught out several times in defence.
Conversely, Goran Dragic and Anthony Randolph starred for Slovenia, netting 15 points apiece.
Slovenia progress to the final, their first of any major tournament, and will play the winner of the second semi-final between Serbia and Russia.
Spain will face the loser of the other semifinal on Sunday at 5pm, the winner taking bronze.
