The Spanish women’s basketball team prevailed (72-54) this Sunday against Belgium in the friendly tournament in Córdoba, as they did on Friday against Turkey, to end their preparation at home before Eurobasket 2023, which starts in 10 days .
Miguel Méndez’s men won their fourth game in the squad for the continental event hosted by Slovenia and Israel, and in which Spain makes its debut on June 15 against Latvia. The Palacio de los Deportes in Córdoba saw the good line of the four-time European champion grow, like the Complexo Deportivo As Travesas de Vigo at the first stop last week.
The party had its exciting moment at halftime, when an affectionate and emotional tribute was paid to all the players who have defended the national jersey during the 60-year history of the Women’s Team. The act was attended by eleven legends of our basketball who have represented all the internationals with Spain: Laia Palau (314 caps), Amaya Valdemoro (258), Luci Pascua (254), Betty Cebrián (252), Elisa Aguilar (222), Laura Nicholls (197), Anna Cruz (158), Anna Montañana (129), Rocío Jiménez (127), Marta Fernández (120) and Isa Sánchez (92).
Belgium fulfilled its role as title candidate only until the break, favorite according to Méndez in the previous one, but Spain also made it clear that they want to recover the lost place. Ouviña and Ginzo pulled from the locals in the first half, with a 33-29 that Méndez’s were not able to enlarge due to the rebound.
Raquel Carrera did her bit on the inside and Alba Torrens also stood out, but the Belgians found an answer to the good Spanish defense, with many players plugged in. Both in the first quarter and in the second, Méndez’s men threatened to break the match. The duel seemed like something more than a friendly, but at the restart, Méndez’s team refined to confirm those shots.
With a 20-8 run, Spain showed its cards to sail in favor of the current for the rest of the match. The tests of the Galician coach, who has 14 victories in 14 matches for the coach, did not diminish the intensity of the hostess, with Leo Rodríguez and Silvia Domínguez leaving their mark on the match sheet. Mununga, Allemand and Vanloo were the Belgian livelihood, against a Spain that will now play two more friendlies against Hungary.
SUMMARY
54 – Belgium (16+13+8+17): Joris (2), Meesseman (4), Allemand (9), Delaere (4), Vanloo (12) -starting five- Ranette, Resimont (3), Mununga (14), Geldof, Becky Massey (2), Mbaka ( 4), Billie Massey and Bah.
Referees: Luis Miguel Castillo Larroca, Arnau Padrós Feliu and Alberto Baena Arroyo.
Incidents: Match corresponding to the third match of the Córdoba SEAF Centenary Tournament played at the Vista Alegre Municipal Palace of Sports before approximately 2,500 spectators. In addition, a tribute was paid to players from different generations who have worn the jersey of the women’s basketball team.