Torrens, Xargay lead Spain in sweep of Torrelavega exhibition series

FIBA.com photo

Spain looked dominant in a four-game sweep of an exhibition tournament they hosted during the last week of May in Torrelavega as part of their preparation for the 2017 FIBA EuroBasket Women.

Spain, the world no. 2 team, brought in an intact line-up bannered by their 2016 Rio Olympians. The hosts picked up big victories over China (68-58), Poland (69-47), Japan (67-51) and Canada (64-42).

Alba Torrens averaged 15.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 2 APG in the series to lead Spain. Her run was highlighted by a 32-point explosion in the win over China where she shot 13-of-17 from the floor. Fellow wing woman Marta Xargay normed 13.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 2.8 APG.

FIBA.com photo

In other tune-up games, Canada edged Japan, 61-56 with Bridget Carleton's 13 points and Shay Colley's nine points leading the way. China defeated Poland, 78-70 with five players tallying double-digits including Olympian Chen Xiaojia.

Japan didn't have main stars Ramu Tokashiki and Mika Kurihara for the tune-ups, while China was also without Shao Ting and Sun Mengran.

Canada played a different roster this time with only less than half of their roster having played in the Olympics last year. Ruth Hamblin (13 points, eight rebounds vs Spain) and Katherine Plouffe (13 points, six rebounds vs Spain) had good showings.

The 2017 EuroBasket Women will start on June 16, hosted by Czech Republic. The FIBA Women's Asia Cup will take place in July with Japan and China facing tougher opposition this time as Australia is also part of the tournament. The FIBA Women's AmeriCup shall tip off in August.