The Spanish team has secured their sixth victory in the group phase, defeating the Netherlands and taking a significant step towards the Eurobasket 2025. This achievement is a testament to the talent of the team’s new generation, with Megan Gustafson standing out as a key player, scoring 33 points.
The team, led by coach Miguel Méndez, took to the court with a double objective: victory and settling into the team’s gameplay, especially with new players who have recently joined the international team. Despite already having secured their classification after their previous win in Austria, the team maintained their competitive tension throughout the game.
The Netherlands team, filled with familiar faces from the LF Endesa, including Emese Hof, who led the attack, posed a significant challenge. However, Spain’s Awa Fam and Txell Alarcón played crucial roles, helping their team gradually find its footing and take the lead with a 0-7 run, ending the first quarter 15-19 in their favor.
As the game progressed, the entrance of new players, such as Andrea Vilaró, and the performance of Iyana MartÃn, who took control of the game, contributed to Spain’s lead. Despite the Netherlands’ efforts, including a triple from Laura Cornelius, Spain celebrated the debut points of Claudia Soriano, maintaining their advantage at 31-36.
The second half saw Maite Cazorla and Aina Ayuso lead the team, scoring a small partial that brought them closer to a dozen-point difference. This objective was materialized a few moments later by Megan Gustafson’s actions, which made the balance of victory tip in Spain’s favor. The team’s defensive performance, particularly in containing Emese Hof, who accumulated fouls, was also crucial in securing their lead.
With Spain 20 points ahead and the game entering its final ten minutes, the team continued to test different options and lineups, ensuring they had various strategies in place. The Netherlands, meanwhile, sought to reduce their deficit, but Spain’s advantage only grew as the game neared its end, concluding with a 64-81 victory.
This win solidifies Spain’s position, with six consecutive victories, as they look towards the Eurobasket 2025. The draw for the group stage will soon determine their opponents, but for now, they can celebrate their achievement, knowing they have a talented team ready for the challenges ahead.