Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol scored 29 points to help lead Spain over Poland, 83-78, in the opening match of Group A of the European Championship.
Along with his 29 points, Gasol tied for a game-high seven rebounds. Juan Carlos Navarro poured in 23 points and Pau’s brother, Marc Gasol, dropped 16 points with his seven rebounds.
As for Poland, Adam Hrycaniuk was the top scorer with 19 and Szymon Szewczyk added 18. Poland could never regain the lead after its 5-4 advantage in the first quarter and had trouble containing Spain’s offensive powerhouse. The Gasol Brothers dominated the paint since Poland center Marcin Gortat was unable to play in the game.
Spain won the European Championship two years ago after knocking off Serbia, and is looking to repeat as champions which guarantees it a spot in the 2012 Summer Olympics.
