Spain and Greece the first two nations to reach the Round of 16…
Hosts Spain made it three wins in three as an inspirational performance from Pau Gasol led them to victory over Brazil on Monday night.
Chicago Bulls star Gasol ended the game with 26 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks as he effected the game on both ends to ensure the hosts maintained their 100% record thus far.
Victory keeps them top of Group A and it also sealed their place in the Round of 16, with France, Serbia and Brazil currently sitting in the other three qualifying spots.
Serbia were able to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to the French with a comfortable win over Iran, while Les Bleus were also victorious after overcoming Egypt.
With Team USA enjoying a rest day, attention was switched elsewhere with Greece joining the Spanish in the next round after making it three consecutive wins with Argentina, Croatia and Senegal all looking well placed to join them there in the coming days from Group B.
The action continues on Tuesday, but it is Spain who made the biggest impression on Day 3 as they continue to prove claims that they are more than capable of stopping the Americans are realistic.
Although the clash did get heated at times, Gasol also lit up from beyond the arc in a powerful performance which unsurprisingly had the home crowd on their feet, and they will be hoping for more of the same as they potentially now consider rotating the roster and resting key players.
Results:
Croatia 75-77 Senegal
Iran 70-83 Serbia
Argentina 85-81 Philippines
France 94-55 Egypt
Puerto Rico 79-90 Greece
Brazil 63-82 Spain
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