U16 Men Group E

by Dan Casey

10. Javier De La Blanca (Spain)

Spain held Russia to 27% shooting and forced 27 turnovers to take a 75-47 win in Qualifying Round Group E in Pardubice.

Spain began the game with a 12-2 run and Russia were never able to get close. The lead stretched to 23 in the second quarter, and Alberto Martin's lay-up at the end of the quarter ensured a half-time lead of 41-21.

Russia's come-back hopes were extinguished in the third quarter, as they only scored 8 points.

Russia missed all 13 of their three-point attempts in the game. Pavel Sizov was the only Russian player in double-figures with 16 points.

Javier De La Blanca led Spain with 17 points and 4 steals. Martin added a double-double (13 points, 10 assists).

Spain have now recorded three successive wins after the opening-night loss to hosts Czech Republic, and the U16 team will hope to compete for the title after a successful summer for Spain with gold medals for the U18 and U20 teams.

Russia will hope to bounce back tomorrow, and will play against the Czech Republic at 6pm.