ARG/ESP - Spain use three-point barrage to crush Argentina

TOULOUSE (FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) – Spain had the hot hand from long range all night and used it to take an early lead on their way to a comfortable 68-38 win over Argentina.

Both teams entered the game with a 1-2 mark in Group B and desperately needed to win to stand a chance of challenging for a quarter-final berth.

Victor Lapena’s side showed their intentions right away as they hit three long bombs in the game’s first four minutes and led 19-7 – on six of seven from long range – at the end of the first quarter.

Argentina used an 8-0 run in the second period to close the gap but Spain took control once again going into halftime with a 27-14 advantage.

The Spaniards would continue their three-point barrage after the break, finishing with 14 makes out of 24 attempts. Only seven of their field goals made were from two-point range.

Andrea Vilaro had a game-high 18 points on six of 10 from long range.

Argentina’s Rocio Diaz, who struggled in the first half, finally got on the score sheet  late in the third quarter, but Spain replied through Yurena Diaz’s three-pointer in the dying seconds of the period.

The final frame saw more of the same.

Quotes

Victor Lapena (Spain head coach): After the loss against Belgium, we worked very hard as we were in danger. We had a very detailed preparations for this game against Argentina. My  congratulations to my captain (Andrea Vilaro) who did all required work within the group without me having to say anything to her.

Eduardo Pinto (Argentina head coach): We knew there was a quite huge difference when it came to technical skills between the two teams. They scored their points from outside on an amazing shooting percentage. We tried to not too sink too much even though it has been very tough for us tonight.

FIBA/LOC