VALENCIA (Spain) - Spain are one win away from booking their ticket to Paris after coming through an enthralling Semi-Final encounter with Finland.
The all-European battle went right down with the wire, but it was the reigning European champions able to prevail for an 81-74 triumph and set up a meeting with the Bahamas.
The turning point
Where to begin? Spain holding their opponents to just 10 points in the second quarter? Finland coming out on fire and scoring 29 points in the third quarter? Alberto Diaz knocking down back-to-back triples at the start of the fourth?
Then the fourth quarter went crazy. Response after response: you make one, I make one. 72-all inside the final three minutes. Who steps up? Willy Hernangomez - a crucial score inside followed by a pair of free throws as Spain found a way to close out the win.
TCL Player of the Game
The chants of MVP late in the fourth quarter said it all. 28 points - 12 coming from the foul line - along with 5 rebounds in just 21 minutes for Spain's #14 when they needed him most.
Lorenzo Brown added 15 points and 7 assists with Santi Aldama contributing 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Spain also had vital scoring bursts from Diaz and Dario Brizuela.
Stats don't lie
Finland were 3-of-13 from three-point range in the first half, then went 3-of-3 inside three minutes of the third to spark another revival. However, their 18 turnovers would result in 28 points as their opponents capitalized in true Spain fashion.
Bottom line
It could have gone either way down the stretch, but this was the execution Spain have been talking about finding in the right moments. They delivered at both ends of the floor in the final few minutes, and must now find a way to recover for the Final against Bahamas - as it promises to be an incredible finale to the tournament.
Tough on Finland, they fought all the way. They could have easily been on their way home before this point, but once again showed a courageous spirit of a young team without its superstar on the big stage.
Both sets of supporters were on their feet at the end of the game, and that sums it up nicely.
They said
FIBA