By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A slow start created a 14-point deficit but Spain were clear winners, 86-64, against the Netherlands at Almere’s Topsportcentrum on Saturday night.
Unicaja’s Dario Brizuela dropped 13 points to push Sergio Scariolo’s side to 5-1 in Group L of the 2023 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers. Naturalized Lorenzo Brown, a new player for Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv at the club level, had 11 points, five rebounds and three assists in just under 16 minutes in a strong showing in his young La Roja career.
Three NBA players for Spain, all in the final game before EuroBasket 2022. Houston Rockets’ Usman Garuba finished with ten points and six rebounds in 21 minutes. Willy Hernangomez of the New Orleans Pelicans added ten points and four rebounds in 12 minutes. Toronto Raptors’ Juancho Hernangomez recorded five points, four rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes.
The hosts raced into a 14-point lead, but the outing produced an unmanageable 25-point margin. The 39-point swing and home loss dropped WL to 0-6. With four games remaining, Maurizio Buscaglia’s side have been completely eliminated from the World Cup.
Heroes Den Bosch newcomer Jito Kok scored 16 points in the last game in the last loss. Experienced swingman Worthy de Jong followed with 11 points.
More action on the 2023 FIBA World Cup European Qualifier
Earlier in Group K, Lithuania and Hungary scored respective victories.
Photo: FIBA.BASKETBALL
