The Spanish national basketball team closed out their Eurobasket qualifying campaign with a hard-fought victory over Belgium, securing their place at the upcoming continental tournament. The match was held at the Palacio Municipal de Deportes in León, where the home team triumphed 59-52, avenging their previous loss to the same opponent earlier this qualification period.
Under the direction of coach Sergio Scariolo, the team aimed to end their pre-Eurobasket effort on a high note, especially after suffering a disappointing defeat to Belgium (58-53) back on their home turf. Scariolo's squad, featuring a mix of seasoned players and newcomers, had delivered mixed performances throughout the qualification period, with many regulars unable to participate due to various issues.
From the outset, it was clear both teams struggled with scoring. Spain managed only 23 points before halftime, reflecting the tense atmosphere of the match. Their shooting woes were evident, as they maintained just 25% shooting from the field by the break. Veteran players like Xavi López-Arostegui and Joel Parra, who have taken on leadership roles, worked diligently to steer the team as they navigated these challenges.
Following their lackluster first half, Spain surged after the break, finally finding their rhythm. The second half showcased the intensity and potential of the Spanish lineup, allowing them to pull away from Belgium. Xavi López-Arostegui emerged as Spain's standout player, scoring 13 points and contributing significantly on the defensive end.
While Belgium had their moments, with standout performances, particularly from Jean Mwema—who scored 21 points—the Spanish defense tightened, limiting their scoring opportunities. Spain’s ability to capitalize on rebounds played a pivotal role, as they managed to secure 29 total rebounds, compared to Belgium's 34.
The statistical breakdown highlighted Spain's shooting efficiency. They achieved 51.52% on two-point attempts with 17 field goals made, yet their three-point shooting lagged significantly at just 12.50%, making only 2 from 16 attempts. Their success from the free-throw line, converting 79.17%, was pivotal to securing the win as they capitalized on 24 free throw attempts.
“We needed this win to boost our confidence heading to the Eurobasket,” Scariolo remarked post-match, reflecting on the challenging lead-up to this game with numerous adjustments due to injuries and absences. The coach also emphasized the importance of having seen promising performances from younger players during this challenging campaign, which could bode well for their future.
Despite the victory, the team’s overall performance during the qualification round left much to be desired. Their record stood at three wins and three losses, balancing their path to qualification with close contests, including two hard-fought games against Slovakia. The qualification phase proved to be tough, with Scariolo adapting his roster throughout, often fielding players who were stepping up from less prominent roles.
The fans witnessed not only the conclusion of the qualification round but also the potential future of Spanish basketball. Young players like Hugo González are proving their mettle and might play integral roles as the team refines its strategies leading up to Eurobasket.
Overall, the game against Belgium showcased significant determination from the Spanish side, embodying the spirit of resilience needed for international competitions. Going forward, the team must capitalize on their successes from this game to build momentum heading to the summer’s Eurobasket, where they’ll aim to defend their crown against the continent’s best.