cloudXXI wrote:Then we lost intentionally against Greece and Eslovenia too. Poor game in the final minutes too and comebacks of the opponents.
No b.c. Spain had no incentive to lose against Greece or Slovenia, it actually hurt them. Losing to Italy allowed them to pick their first QT opponent and whether it wanted a longer rest break before or after the first QT game.
Spain did a similar thing to avoid the US once. And LTU let SRB come back to lose by x points to eliminate Spain in a previous Eurobasket. This stuff happens.
The fact is that Spain has lost the three closed games until now. And it´s not the first time we do poorly in groups. Four years ago we were losing against GB and out of the tournament. Like this year, we qualified 4th. That year France was the unfortunately team, today it has been Serbia.
It´s not fair for Serbia and Spains should play way better in groups, but it´s nothing about choosing team. If Spain plays well, no matter what team we play. If we play badly, anyone cat beat us.
Spain isn't as good as it has been historically because they don't have Pau. Bringing one legit C was a mistake, and one that prevented Greece from reaching the QT. Nevertheless, Spain remains the favorite in this tournament. But yes, if Spain's guards struggle shooting and the opponent is able to use their interior advantage then Spain can be beat.