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VIDNOJE (FIBA U21 World Championship for Women) – Spain prevailed 90-86 in double overtime against a cold-shooting Brazil on Friday as the FIBA U21 World Championship for Women produced a thriller in its very first game.

Anna Cruz scored 30 points to lead the Spanish in a game that wasn’t decided until the final minute of the third extra period.

After Tatiane Balbino’s basket tied the contest at 74-74 to send the game to the final overtime, Brazil led by as many as six points but Cruz’s second three-pointer closed the gap to 86-85 with 1:05 to go.

After Priscilla Dos Santos missed a lay-up, Blanca Marcos went to the other end and scored down low to put the European team in front.

Isabela Morais tried to reply for the South Americans with 24 seconds remaining, but her three-pointer was off target and Spain rebounded.

The Brazilians ended up fouling Sara Gomez, who made a pair of free throws to finish the scoring.

Free throw shooting killed Brazil as they converted just 12 of 27 (44%) compared to 10 of 13 (76.9%) for Spain.

Cruz was sensational, making 10 of 19 shots inside the arc and two of three beyond it. She was also four of five from the free throw line and grabbed eight rebounds.

Marcos had a fine game as well, with that late buck taking her tally to 15 points for the contest.

Overall, Spain shot well from three-point range, making eight of 20 (40%), while Brazil were six of 23 (26%).

They won the game despite being out-rebounded, 52-38.

FIBA