Spain won its second FIBA World Cup title after what was an emphatic 95-75 win over Argentina during Sunday’s gold medal game.
The winners got off to a flying start, taking a 14-2 lead over Argentina in the first quarter. While Argentina clawed their way back with 11 consecutive points, the Spanish regained control of the game by extending their lead to as much as 17 points in the second quarter.
The third quarter saw Spain build a significant 22-point lead, which proved more than enough to carry them through to the final buzzer.
Point guard Ricky Rubio proved crucial to Spain’s success, ending the game with 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Efforts such as these resulted in Rubio being named the most valuable player in this year’s edition of the tournament.
Also vital to Spain’s success was center Marc Gasol, who finished the game against Argentina with 14 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Gasol also made history by becoming the second player in history to win both the NBA title and the FIBA World Cup in the same year alongside Lamar Odom. He also featured in the Spanish squad that won the FIBA World Cup back in 2006.
