SPAIN TOWER OVER GB
Great Britain’s women were crushed 70-41 by Spain in Logrones on Thursday.
Pete Buckle’s side, without Temi Fagbenle and Steph Gandy, briefly led in the opening exchanges of their fourth friendly of their build-up to next month’s EuroBasket finals but were brutally cast aside after the hosts swept clear with an early 7-0 run.
GB’s offense spluttered horribly. But the defending European champions relentlessly punished a litany of turnovers to pull 42-25 in front at half-time with reigning FIBA Europe Player of the Year Alba Torrens dominating at both ends on her way to a game-high haul of 18 points.
By the end of the third, the Spanish cushion stood at 52-30. Their guests already had 20 turnovers to their credit, displaying an inability to break the relentless press.
And despite a team-best 11 points from Ella Clark on her 2015 debut, GB – who now face Canada today – fell as much as 29 behind.
“It was a good workout for us against the second best team in the world,” said Buckle.
“We welcomed back Ella and Azania [Stewart] for their first minutes of this summers’ programme which was really pleasing.
“Ella was out due to illness during our first tournament and even though she played well tonight, she’s still catching up. It is important that we all learn from the game as we do every time we step onto the floor.
“You have to play the best to improve and to help get where we want to be before EuroBasket Women starts. Spain are a really intelligent and athletic team and this experience will help us in the growth of our own game.
Earlier, the Canadians edged out Poland 53-49 in their opener.
Game stats: baloncestoenvivo.feb.es/Game/1532016
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