By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Clinching a second win in Malaga, the USA defeated tournament host Spain, 98-88, in Palacio de Deportes Maria Martin Carpena Sunday.
Jalen Brunson connecting 10/10 field goals, including 2/2 from beyond the arc, emerged as the top scorer with 23 points to go with four assists and three rebounds in 17 minutes.
Destroying the defense of the reigning FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket champions, the team coached by Steve Kerr finished the exhibition contest with 10/17 triples and 30/40 two-pointers. Up by ten points at the break, the visitors did not hold on but restored the safe distance in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
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Jaren Jackson Jr. chipped in 14 points and Mikal Bridges had 12 points. Further double-digit scoring contributions, Austin Reaves and Brandon Ingram tallied 11 points apiece.
For the team guided by Sergio Scariolo, Santi Aldama recorded a team-high 14 points, Willy Hernangomez punched in 13 points, Alex Abrines had 12 points, and Juancho Hernangomez got 11 points.
On a side note, the new Euroleague Basketball Officiating Director Dani Hierrezuelo retired with the game being the last of his lengthy refereeing career.
FIBA World Cup is inching closer
Earlier in the friendly tournament featuring three contenders of the approaching 2023 FIBA World Cup, both Spain and the USA logged lopsided wins against Slovenia. The event in Malaga marked the 100-year anniversary of the Spanish Basketball Federation, FEB.
Moving on to wrap up the exhibition games leading to World Cup action, the USA will travel to Abu Dhabi to take on Greece Friday and Germany Sunday. The Spain camp will move to Granada for friendly games versus Canada Thursday and Dominican Republic Saturday.
Photo Credit: FEB.ES