ESP/AUS - Late surge by Scariolo’s men denies Boomers

GRANADA (Olympics) - Australia lost to European champions Spain on Tuesday night but provided plenty of evidence they’ll be tough to beat at the London Games.

The Boomers held Spain, the number two team in the FIBA Men's Ranking and a side they will face at the Olympics on 31 July in Group B, to 40% shooting but fell, 75-69.

Spain trailed by four with six minutes to go after three-balls by Brad Newley and Matthew Dellavedova but then went on a 9-0 run to take the lead for good.

“We leave the game proud of our effort," Australia coach Brett Brown said, "but really disappointed in a game we feel we could have won.”

Spain, meanwhile, have a couple of serious concerns with the Olympics quickly approach.

Juan Carlos Navarro is gradually getting back to good health after being slowed by back problems but Marc Gasol's shoulder is still hurting from the knock he received on Friday.

Navarro, the EuroBasket 2011 MVP, played 13 minutes but did not score while Marc Gasol missed his second straight game.

"Juan Carlos is far from his best but the physical pain is easing and that is important," coach Scariolo said.

"Now he has to get rid of the back pain, gain confidence and have good feelings.

"Marc is in pain.

"He's going to have tests and then we'll know more ...

"We'll remain patient and wait for the outcome of the tests with interest."

New Portland Trail Blazer Victor Claver came off the bench and gave Spain a lift by drilling both of his attempts from long range.

The back problems that forced Rudy Fernandez to cut short his NBA season look to be a thing of the past.

He played 25 minutes and had nine points and six rebounds.

Fernandez was just two of 10 from the floor, however, including two of eight from the arc.

Pau Gasol led Spain with 22 points.

For Australia, Newley had 16 points and five boards.

“I thought Brad Newley was great staying all game in attack mode, David Andersen showed why he is one of the better players in Europe the past season, playing in Italy, and Patty (Mills) started to find his rhythm at times throughout the game,” Brown said.

The two sides will meet again on Thursday in Malaga.

FIBA