Luka Doncic’s Slovenia defeats Spain to claim top spot in Group C

Luka Doncic and Slovenia completed a sweep of their Group C games as they defeated Spain, 95-87, in the final game of the men’s basketball group phase of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Sunday.

Vlatko Cancar of the Denver Nuggets scored 22 points to lead the way for Slovenia, who finished the group phase with a perfect 3-0 with wins over Japan, Argentina, and now Spain.

Mike Tobey had a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds and Klemen Prepelic added 15, including eight in a late Slovenian run to close the game.

Doncic came close to logging a triple-double as he finished with 12 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists.

Slovenia had to fight back from a fourth quarter deficit, after entering the final period behind. They trailed by six points, 82-76, after a Pau Gasol three-pointer at the 6:23 mark of the fourth.

But the Slovenians went on a 19-5 run to close the game behind steady free throw shooting and some timely baskets from Prepelic and Tobey.

Ricky Rubio led Spain with 18 points and nine rebounds and the team had five other players who scored eight or more points, including both Gasol brother, Pau and Marc.

—JMB, GMA News