BEIJING (Olympics) – Spain overcame an early deficit and hammered the Czech Republic 74-55 in Group B of the Olympic women’s basketball tournament.

Having suffered a narrow defeat to China in their opener, Spain rebounded with a convincing win over New Zealand so Wednesday’s victory has left  them feeling much better about themselves heading into Friday’s showdown with the USA.

"I think our defensive intensity was the key to our game," Anna Montanana said to FIBA.com.

"We didn't do that against China and New Zealand but we had done that in our preparation games.

“We spoke about it before the game. We knew that without that, we have nothing. We started a little flat but we stepped up the pressure from the second quarter and when we do that, it's difficult for a team to play against us."

Hana Machova’s three-ball late in the first quarter gave the Czechs a 20-11 advantage but Spain held them to just three points over the next nine minutes and ended up tying the game at 23-23 on a Tamara Abalde lay-up.

Spain ended up taking a 28-27 half-time lead with Montanana leading all scorers with 10 points.

They took command early in the second half and their three-point shooting was a big reason why.

Three-pointers from Elisa Aguilar, Montanana and two from Amaya Valdemoro fired Evaristo Perez's side into a 58-38 lead going into the final 10 minutes and they cantered home to a decisive triumph.

Spain, who were just one of six (17%) from long range in the first half, finished the game seven of 20 (35%).

The Czech Republic finished the game with 24 turnovers compared to Spain’s 22 and Perez’s side also won the rebounding battle, 34-29.

Eva Viteckova, the Czechs’ leading three-point shooter, was just one of seven (14%) from long range.

As a team, they finished four of 21 (19%) from the arc and 35% (19 of 54) overall.

FIBA