By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Karl Anthony Towns was impressive with 20 points and six rebounds, but the defending Eurobasket champions proved to be even more.
Spain got the 86-77 win over the Dominican Republic, thanks to a team effort and young point guard Juan Nunez being the top scorer with 16 points.
The Dominican Republic got even a 52-48 lead after a three by Anthony Towns in the third period, however, the continuity and the quality of the Spanish national team prevailed.
The hosts closed the quarter leading by eight (68-60) after a three by Joel Parra (12 p.) at the buzzer and kept the lead until the end, despite the efforts of the guests.
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The game of Nunez is a good omen for Spain, which lost Ricky Rubio earlier in the summer when the former FIBA World Cup MVP decided to take a break from basketball and focus on his mental health.
With a shortage in the point guard position, Nunez is expected to have a key role for the defending champs.
Spain’s World Cup roster
After the game, coach Sergio Scariolo announced the final roster of Spain which will travel to Indonesia for the group phase of the World Cup and includes the following players: Alberto Díaz, Juan Núñez, Sergio Llull, Dario Brizuela, Rudy Fernández, Alex Abrines, Victor Claver, Joel Parra, Juancho Hernangómez, Santi Aldama, Willy Hernangómez, Usman Garuba.
Jaime Fernandez will be the player that will replace Alberto Diaz whose coming from injury if he is not available.
Alberto Abalde, Jaime Pradilla, and Sebas Saiz were the last three players which were cut.