Mariona Ortiz was once again influential during her 19 minutes on the court, scoring 5 points, grabbing a rebound, dishing out 2 assists and making 2 steals to register 7 valuation points. Iyana Martín, with 20 points and a valuation rating of 20, together with her inseparable Awa Fam, who added 16 points and 10 rebounds, were Spain's standout performers in a game that had become a must-win for the national team.
Awa Fam recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Photo: FIBA
The game was closely contested, with both teams enjoying spells of dominance, although Miguel Méndez's side were always ahead on the scoreboard as Japan battled against Spain. Although Spain produced an impressive offensive performance, they were at their best defensively so far in the tournament, slowing down the Asian team's frenetic pace. That was the most encouraging aspect ahead of the tournament's knockout phase.
Spain's victory, combined with Germany's win over Mali, means Miguel Méndez's team will have an extra day of rest, something of relative importance in a tournament where physical condition is crucial for anyone hoping to lift the title. They will not return to the court until September 10, when they face the winner of the quarter-final between Australia and China or Italy, depending on their position in the group.
The result sends the national team down the side of the bracket where, in a theoretical semifinal, they would face the United States. The American team will play Hungary or Japan in the quarter-finals.
