Wolves guard Alexey Shved and the Russian national team find themselves in a rather large hole in EuroBasket 2013.
Shved was held scoreless in the first three quarters of Russia’s loss to Greece today from the European Championships, before leading a furious comeback and putting up 17 points in the fourth. But it was too little, too late, and the Russians followed up yesterday’s 76-69 loss at the hands of Italy with a 80-71 defeat this afternoon.
Russia still has three games to play (Finland, Turkey, Sweden) in their six-team group, but two losses puts them in a tough hole to climb out of, with the top three finishers in each group moving on to round two.
As for Ricky Rubio and Spain, they faced the tough task of home country Slovenia.
Spain, the more talented group, were ahead much of the first three quarters. But Slovenia rode the momentum of an impassioned home crowd and outscored Spain 11-1 in the final three and a half minutes to secure a 78-69 win.
Rubio once again went 2-5 from the floor, as he did yesterday against Croatia in the Spaniards 68-40 win, but Rubio’s six points and lack of creativity (only one assist) hurt Spain in the end.
Spain and Russia have the day off tomorrow before returning to action on Saturday.
