Spain got off to a good start during the first quarter as Team USA struggled to score after the first 3 point basket by Chris Paul. Spain defended the basket and the inside presence of Serge Ibaka, Spain was able to contain and maintain a lead by eigh points (48-40) to finish the first half. Carmelo Anthony led Team USA with 23 points while shooting 5-6 from behind the arc.
The second half was a different story for Spain, as they did not convert on the same baskets as in the first half. Ibaka could not finalize any shots in the second, and outside shooting did not go the way Spain wished. Team USA pulled away during the end of the 3rd quarter, despite zone defense of Spain. During the 4th quarter Team USA led by 20 points and final score 100-78.
Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 27 points and Lebron James added 25 points for Team USA.
Pau Gasol led Spain with 19 pts and Serge Ibaka scored 16pts which were made in the first half.
Box Score
With the marks of top Spanish National teams and figures such as Rafael Nadal who just won the Wimbledon after a 44 year drought for Spanish Players and the Spanish Soccer team who also won the Euro2008 after not winning in the 40s. The national teams for Spain both women and men are hoping to follow in those footsteps in Pekin during the Olympic Summer Basketball Games!