Following close calls in their first two Group A games, Spain finally had breathing space by beating Serbia 70-62 to lock down the top spot at the Paris 2024 women’s basketball tournament.
The returning Maria Conde made her mark instantly, leading Spain with 15 points as they finish unbeaten and hand Serbia their first loss at the Olympics.
Spain posted a 22-5 run either side of the half-time break and Serbia were unable to make a run of their own. Once up by a double-digit margin, Spain had the cushion needed to hold off a comeback in the last two minutes.
In the other Group C game, China finally got it right at the third attempt, winning 80-58 over Puerto Rico.
But despite the win, their quarter-final place isn’t guaranteed just yet for the Asian powerhouse, who now wait for results in the other games taking place on Sunday to see their fate.
Meng Li (pictured) has been phenomenal in Lille, she got 18 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds as China eliminated Puerto Rico, who finished their Olympics winless.
Photos: FIBA
