Serbia vs. Spain Preview: Gustafson vs. Anderson – Both Teams to Battle for Top Spot in Group

On August 3 at 7:30 PM, the final match of Group A in the Olympic Women’s Basketball preliminary round will take place between the Serbian and Spanish teams. The winner of this game will secure the top spot in the group, gaining an advantageous position in the subsequent elimination rounds. Both teams are expected to give their all.

Both teams have won their previous two matches, securing their places in the next round. This match will be a direct showdown for the top spot in the group. Spain has had narrow victories in both their games so far, winning by one point against the Chinese team after overtime in their first match and then edging out Puerto Rico by just one point in the second match. These close encounters have taken a significant toll on the team’s energy.

Spain’s offense has been inconsistent, scoring 90 points in the first game but only 63 in the second. Their scoring is relatively concentrated, with only two players reaching double figures in both games and the same two players each time. Gustafson scored 29 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the first game, followed by 18 points and 13 rebounds in the second game, making her the team’s core player and leading scorer. Rodriguez scored 25 points in the first game and 17 points in the second, while no other teammates reached double figures in either game. In other words, if Serbia can contain these two key players, Spain’s offense may run into difficulties.

Serbia narrowly defeated Puerto Rico by three points in their first game and then dominated the Chinese team by 22 points in the second. Currently ranked 10th in the world and 9th in the latest power rankings, Serbia had three players score in double figures in their first game against Puerto Rico: Stankovic with 15 points and 10 rebounds, Nogic with 14 points and 7 assists, and Kado with 10 points. Naturalized player Anderson contributed 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists. Against the Chinese team, four Serbian players scored in double figures: Anderson with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists, Jankovic, Nogic, and Kraysnik also reaching double figures. The team shot an impressive 7-for-11 from beyond the arc.

Naturalized player Anderson is the playmaking core of the Serbian team, leading the team in assists in both games. If she can be restricted, Serbia’s offensive flow could be significantly curtailed. In comparison, Serbia’s frontcourt is not as strong as Spain’s, which boasts WNBA player Gustafson, who has performed well in both games. Serbia’s interior defense will face a considerable challenge. In their first two games, the Serbian team allowed only 55 and 59 points, respectively, demonstrating a tenacious defense.

As two strong European teams, they have faced each other frequently and know each other well. In their last eight meetings in major international competitions, Spain has won seven and lost one, holding a clear advantage both statistically and psychologically. Since the positions of the top and second-placed teams in the group will have significant differences in the upcoming elimination rounds, both teams will undoubtedly go all out in this game.

The rosters for both teams:

Serbia: Anderson, Jankovic, Kraysnik, Nogic, Laza, Djordjevic, Smiljebegovic, Stankovic, Kado, Katanic, Jovanovic, Djagalovic.

Spain: Gustafson, Araujo, Torrens, Casas, Cazorla, Conde, Gil, Gimeno, Ortiz, Rodriguez, Romero, Villarro.

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