KAUNUS, Lithuania--Tonight's semifinal between Spain and Macedonia was like a heavyweight bout. Spain threw the opening jabs, then Macedonia counterpunched.
But after intermission, Spain landed a haymaker. This time, Macedonia could not climb off the mat. Spain was simply too strong; they beat the upstarts going away, 92-80.
Near the end of the third period, Macedonia was still close, 65-60. With two ticks on the shot clock, Spain’s Juan Carlos Navarro hit a running three-pointer that lifted the crowd from their seats. A few moments later, Navarro popped another closely-contested trey.
Spain led, 71-62, and Navarro appealed to the spectators as Spanish fans chanted, “MVP! MVP!”
Bo McCalebb has pulled FYR of Macedonia out of the fire many times during this tournament. Showcasing his hummingbird-quick drives to the hoop, he collected 25 points and five assists against Spain on Friday. But this time, the heroics weren't quite enough.
McCalebb was one-upped by Juan Carlos Navarro. Macedonia's defense keyed on the sharpshooter early, but relaxed the pressure. After a slow start, Navarro made them pay, scoring 25 after halftime.
Spain fell into a defensive zone, which should have played into Macedonia’s hands. But Macedonia could only manage 35 points in the final twenty minutes.
Pau Gasol was deadly as usual, turning in a 22-point, 17-rebound night. He and brother Marc combined for 12 of Spain’s19 offensive boards.
Sergio Llull's three at the close of first period gave Spain an intimidating 26-18 lead. Macedonia had already fired nine treys in ten minutes; they made two. They didn't appear worried. In Macedonia's upset of talented Lithuania, they had trailed--but made a comeback.
The climb back was swift. Macedonia put on a 10-0 run, regaining the lead at 32-31. Spain took lots of jump shots, which is only okay when they are falling. They were 0-of-8 from three-point range in the second.
By way of contrast, Macedonia shot 70% in the first half. Macedonia led by one and looked very satisfied as the teams headed to locker rooms.
Macedonia's first-ever Eurobasket semifinal was also the first meeting between these teams. The Macedonian defense, unafraid of giving up a few fouls to prevent easy baskets, has kept opposing offenses in check. Only Croatia had scored more than 70.
But Spain's firepower is unlike anything Team Macedonia has seen. They have humbled several opponents this year, including France and Serbia.
With tonight’s loss, Macedonia missed a chance at London. However, they have one more chance, in the Olympic qualifying tournament. Macedonia’s previous best Eurobasket finish was ninth, in 2009.
Spain, a medalist in five of the last six Eurobasket, faces France on Sunday, September 18.
Chris DeBrie - Chris DeBrie has written for "The Appalachian", Examiner, and The 12th Man. He is the author of several novels.
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