The Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire Begin Olympic Basketball Campaign with Loss to Spain

Housed in group G with Spain, Brazil and Iran, the Elephants basketball players of Côte d’Ivoire lost to Spain, the reigning world champion 64 to 94, on August 26, 2023 in Djarkata. A difficult start for the players of Dejan Prokic who, after an acceptable 7-9 first quarter for Côte d’Ivoire, lacked mobility, skill in shooting and rebounding capacity the rest of the time during of that first game. The absence of the naturalized Ivorian pivot Matthew Costello was really felt. Ivorian wingers Vafessa Fofana with 4 points and Charles-Noe Abouo, 9 points and 4 assists made the difference.

As for La Roja, the scene is set and the show started in the 1st quarter with 29 assists. Willy Hernangomez, MVP of EuroBasket 2022 in Germany stood out with 22 points including 14 in the 2nd quarter. The pivot with 20 points at the break, takes responsibility and allows the Roja to return to the locker room leading 53 to 34 (+19). This entry in the running was favorable to the Spaniards because 7 of the 12 players scored more than 8 points. The meeting ended in style for Sergio Scariolo’s men with a score of 94 to 64 for Spain, who will face Brazil on August 28. For the Ivory Coast everything still remains to be done and for its second match, it will face Iran.

2023-08-26 17:22:35
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