Juan Carlos Navarro pumped his fists in exultation and looked to the rafters for the roaring approval the basketball gods now owed. His second three-pointer did more than seal Spain's 80-72 victory over Greece. One final long-distance grenade allowed the reigning tournament champs to escape a minefield of degradation and advance to the quarterfinals with another shot to exude world dominance.
La Bomba's 22-point outing served as another sterling, explosive addition to his big-game curriculum vitae. Rudy Fernandez needed the moment, and the triumph, more. Greece and Spain reprised the testy 2006 gold medal game in a manner any semifinalist foes will struggle to top.
The Greeks struck early, with Vassilis Spanoulis and Niko Zisis demolishing the Spaniards inside. A pair of Navarro floaters--you know, the rainbow shot that could lull a caffeinated and intoxicated Snooki from Jersey Shore to sleep--closed the first-quarter gap. Spain snatched the lead back thanks to timely scores from reserves Fran Vasquez and Alex Mumbru.
Jonas Kazlauskas' squad appeared better prepared for this unexpe ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Robert Kleeman
2010 FIBA World Championship: Rudy Fernandez, Spain Survive Greece, Humiliation
September 4th, 2010 by Robert Kleeman Leave a reply »
Advertisement