Coming into the 2014 FIBA World Cup, Spain was seen as the most likely, if not the only, candidate to challenge Team USA. Two days into the tournament, nothing has changed, as Spain has made it look easy thus far, cruising past both Iran and Egypt with no trouble whatsoever.
Spain Undefeated As They Cruise Past Iran, Egypt
In their group stage opening match on Saturday, they powered through Iran, taking the game by a final score of 90-60. Marc and Pau Gasol set the tone early for Spain, an it was clear from the get-go that Iran just couldn’t compete.
Marc made his presence known, finishing the game with double-double to the tune of 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Pau exploded for 33 points on 60% shooting (12-20 from the field) while adding 8 rebounds.
Sunday’s matchup against Egypt was much of the same story, as Spain dismantled a weak Egypt team 91-54. Serge Ibaka, who sat out the first game with a sore hamstring, proved effective off the bench, leading the team in scoring with 18 points on 8 of 12 shooting to go along with his 8 rebounds.
Not that they needed to, but the Gasol brothers didn’t make much noise, as Marc finished with only 8 points and 6 rebounds. Pau added 12 points.
With no lack of NBA talent and a bruising frontcourt combination of Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, and Serge Ibaka, there is no reason Spain shouldn’t be playing when the World Cup Finals roll around on September 14.
Next up, Spain will play Brazil (2-0) on Monday before matching up against France (1-1) on Wednesday.
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Main Photo credit Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images
