Serbia vs Spain Prediction & Betting Tips - Olympic Matches Women

Prediction published on 02/08/2024, 04:31  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 02/08/2024 at 16:53 in Basketball Predictions

Serbia will play Spain to determine the winner of Group A in women’s basketball at the Paris Olympics. Both teams have qualified for the next round but are tied, with Serbia edging it on the points differential. It is the nations’ ninth meeting and here’s our analysis leading up to the match and a prediction.

Serbia are now on a three-match winning run and hope to maintain this against a team they have previously struggled with. Marina Maljkovic’s team could only manage 58 points in their opener against Puerto Rico.

However, in game two against China, they were more fluid in offence and won 81-59. They have shown good strength defensively, keeping their opponents under 60 points. Yvonne Anderson put up 15 points against China, improving from her seven against Puerto Rico. Serbia are averaging 69.5 points in Paris and have shot 39.9% from the field.

Spain have been one of the top offensive teams in Paris, tallying a combined 153 points across their first two matches. Miguel Mendez’s players have averaged 76.5 points a game which is a stat only bettered by two other teams.

Spain, who are shooting 43.7% from the field, narrowly escaped with a win in their last game, beating Puerto Rico 63-62. That win was thanks to two clutch free throws from Laura Gil in the final two seconds. Spain had let a 19-point lead slip against Puerto Rico which exposed their defensive frailties.

Megan Gustafson poured in a game-high 18 points and Leonor Rodriguez added 17 to help La Roja maintain their 100% start. Already assured of a knockout round spot, Spain will seek another dominant game against Serbia. They have registered three of their seven wins in this matchup at Olympic level. Two came at the Rio Games in 2016 where they won silver.