Ricky Rubio and Gorgui Dieng will soon be working toward the same goal as the NBA season tips off in a couple months. That said Rubio and Dieng were friendly foes on the hardwood Sunday as Spain took on Senegal in an exhibition game in preparation for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Spain exerted its dominance en route to an 88-49 win over Senegal. Senegal may have lost the game, but Dieng outplayed Rubio with 12 points and 11 rebounds in the loss. Rubio finished the night with 8 points, 3 rebounds, and game-high 5 assists.
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There was some pregame banter between the two teammates before the matchup as Rubio apparently challenged Dieng to a friendly wager.
Dieng didn’t back down and promptly accepted the challenge.
Rubio proved he was more than up to the challenge in the contest. He drove past Dieng at one point in the game and he let Dieng hear about it afterwards.
Dieng apparently made good on his bet with Rubio after the loss.
Rubio and his Spanish teammates will start the quest toward the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup title on August 30 against Iran. Dieng and Senegal will open up on the same day against Greece.
That competition should tide fans over with the 2014 NBA season only 71 days away. The Wolves play their first game on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies one day later.