Australia Triumphs Over Spain in Olympic Basketball Opener

Australia defeated Spain 92-80 in the group stage of the Olympic basketball tournament. Jock Landale, Patty Mills, and Josh Giddey led the Aussies, while Spain's efforts fell short despite a strong third-quarter comeback. The game saw heated exchanges resulting in unsportsmanlike fouls.

Jock Landale scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds as Australia defeated Spain 92-80 in the opening game of the Olympic basketball tournament's group stage in Lille.

Patty Mills added 19 points, and Josh Giddey chipped in with 17, leading Australia to a Group A victory, which also includes Greece and Canada. The Australians face Canada next on Tuesday, while Spain will take on Greece.

Australia held a 14-point lead before Spain's 9-0 run saw them briefly take the lead in the third quarter. However, Australia responded strongly, ending the period with a 15-4 run and maintaining control of the game thereafter.

Santi Aldama and Sergio Llull both scored 17 points for Spain, which hit 12 three-pointers but struggled with overall field goal percentage at 39%. The game, held at Pierre Mauroy Stadium, saw Australia dominate in the paint, scoring 42 points and outrebounding Spain 46-34.

The action intensified late in the first quarter when Spain's Usman Garuba set a hard screen on Australia's Josh Green, leading to a heated exchange and brief game stoppages. Both Garuba and Australia's Will Magnay were called for unsportsmanlike fouls. Despite the disruptions, Australia held on to their lead, going into halftime up 49-42.

(With inputs from agencies.)