Spain Offer Russia Test

Spain take on unbeaten Russia looking to climb to the top of Group E.

The world champions bounced back from their defeat to Croatia with an emphatic triumph against Greece.

Pepu Hernandez's men face another challenge on Sunday's against a team that is showing no signs of slowing down.

Spain last met Russia two years ago in the group stages at the EuroBasket in Belgrade and won 89-77 although the Russians were without Andrei Kirilenko.

Last result: Spain beat Greece 76-58 while Russia defeated Portugal, 78-65.

Key match-up: Andrei Kirilenko v Pau Gasol.

Portugal got steamrolled by Andrei Kirilenko last time out and then raved about his ability to dominate on the boards but also get out on the fastbreak. Kirilenko will not find it so easy against a big, strong frontline that is led by Pau Gasol.

Russia went unbeaten in the group stage, which included an impressive win over EuroBasket 2005 winners Greece, but the game against the world champions is the one that will let everyone know if David Blatt’s team is for real.

Gasol knows Spain will make a mistake if they focus only on Kirilenko and fail to close down the vastly underrated Victor Kryapa and JR Holden.

"Russia is not Kirilenko and 11 more," said Gasol.

"But he does help out in every stage of the game. He contributes on defense, blocks shots, rebounds, assists and knows how to play. You need to get him out of the game."

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source : eurobasket2007.org