Spain will contest their fourth FIBA EuroBasket Final in the last six editions after beating Germany 96-91 in front of a soldout crowd of 14,073 in Berlin.
The three-time tournament winners overcame yet another double-digit deficit as they defied a game-high of 30 points from Dennis Schroder to set up a showdown with France on Sunday.
Turning Point: Rudy Fernandez connected with back-to-back triples to put Spain nine points ahead at 33-24, but Germany soon went on a 14-0 run in just 1:19 of action. Spain fought back to take the lead in the third but another run of 14 unanswered points from Germany established a double-digit cushion. However, Spain went on a pivotal 13-0 run in the fourth to move six points ahead and they managed to hold their nerve down the stretch.
TCL Player of the Game: Lorenzo Brown missed his opening shot from the field before making seven straight attempts on the way to an impressive 29 points on 65 percent shooting, whilst adding 6 assists.
Alberto Diaz was +25 on the court in just 16 minutes of action off the bench.
Stats Don’t Lie: Spain gave up nine turnovers in the first half alone having entered the contest averaging 8.6 per game, but they had just four in the second half and continued to make the most of their opportunities with 70 percent shooting inside the arc. They also made all of their free throw attempts; finishing 14 of 14.
Bottom Line: Spain will meet France in a repeat of their 2011 title-winning triumph. There was no quit from the team as they battled back from another double-digit deficit and had several players step up on the biggest of stages. Heartbreak for Germany, who had been so impressive once again. There remains a final shot at a medal as they will face Poland on Sunday in the Third Place Game.
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