Champions Spain remain on track after scare from hosts Turkey

Defending champions Spain dashed local hopes after pulling out a gritty 73-56 victory over hosts Turkey in the Round of 16.

Spain had the edge throughout but an inspired Turkey kept fighting back, fueled by the loud near-capacity crowd at Sinan Erdem Arena. Spain's margin was just six points midway through the fourth before Ricky Rubio stepped up with clutch shooting to ensure their bid to repeat as champions remains on track.

Spain play Germany in the Quarter-Final. Rubio shrugged off a quiet opening three quarters to score 12 of his 15 points in the fourth to ensure Spain avoided an anxious finale. Korkmaz, who will play in the NBA this coming season, deserves a mention after repeatedly inspiring his team back into the contest. He finished with 20 points and 5 rebounds.