Despite a spirited effort in the opening stages, Cote d’Ivoire faced a tough start to their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 campaign, falling 94-64 to reigning champions Spain in their Group G encounter.
Spain continued their unbeaten streak against African teams in World Cup history, displaying their prowess.
Cote d’Ivoire displayed determination in the initial 15 minutes, yet as the game moved into the second quarter, Spain’s advantages in size, depth, and experience began to take hold.
These factors ultimately posed significant challenges for the Ivorian team, proving difficult to overcome.
“I think we showed some nice basketball,” said Dejan Prokic, Cote d’Ivoire head coach. “This is a very, very quality team. Top ranked players. The game for us could have gone better, but I cannot say that I am dissatisfied from the game.
“We came back to a four-point difference, but last two minutes of the half we fell. We tried to press them and make them play their best basketball against us, and I think we succeeded. I can say I am proud of what my players did today.”
Watch the game highlights between Spain and Cote d’Ivoire in the First Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023:
