HAMBURG (FIBA U17 World Championship) - After five entertaining games in the Sporthalle Hamburg the stage was set for Korea and Spain to close off the first day of the preliminary round. The reigning european U16 champ surprinsingly had huge problems containing the asian guards from scoring easy baskets in transition. Korea ran the floor at full speed at any given chance. Once Spain got adjusted to that things urnd around quickly, as the flashy asians were not able to handle their opponents' big men - whether on offense, nor on defense.

Whatever Spain tried, all the way through the second half they would not be able to get rid of Korea, as Seonggon Moon (18 ponits) and his teammates caused many issues to coach Diego Ocampo's squad with their unorthodox style of play. By working hard at the offensive boards Spain finally set iself apart an never looked back. Korea launched a comeback late in the fourth quarter installing full court press without tactical fouling in between. Despite committing several turnovers Spain kept its composure, winning the last game of tournament day 1 in front of two dozen hispanic fans 86:71.

Quotes:

Diego Ocampa, Spain head coach: “It was a difficult game because it was the first. First games are always tough. We did not play great and we need to improve – we need to improve our mentality for tomorrow.”

Seung Hwan Kim, Korea head coach:  “We had a good U16 Championship last year in Asia. We wanted to come here and show how basketball is played in Asia and that Asia is really strong in basketball.”


FIBA / JB