Spain rout Fiji in opening qualifying clash

Spain's Anna Montanana (right) in the match against FijiPhoto Gallery>>MADRID -- Spain blew out Fiji 113-42 in the opening game of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women on Monday.

Evaristo Perez's team, silver medal winners at last year's EuroBasket in Italy, fell behind to a Valerie Nainima three-pointer to start the contest but then went on a 19-0 run over the next four minutes to take command for good.

By the end of the first quarter, Spain led 33-9 and midway through the second, they held a 41-11 advantage.

Perez went deep to his bench with each member of the squad playing at least 10 minutes. A harder game awaits them on Wednesday when they take on Brazil to determine first place in Group C.

"Brazil is going to be a totally different story," said Anna Montanana, one of Spain's leading players. "Brazil has really important players. It's going to be really hard for us but we have a great team."

Amaya Valdemoro poured in 24 points, Cindy Lima 17 and Montanana 14 for Spain, who also got solid performances from the five newcomers to the group.

Alba Torrens scored 16, Maria Revuelto 10 and Tamara Abalde eight while Laura Nicholls had eight rebounds to go with her six assists.

Silvia Dominguez, a late addition to the team after injury forced Nuria Martinez to pull out of the squad, had five boards and five assists along with two points.

Fiji's Nainima led all scorers with 23 points. The Oceania side will take on Brazil on Tuesday.

Credit: FIBA. Click here for further information.