LIMASSOL (Cyprus) - Spain took another step towards reaching the knockout stage of the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 by routing hosts Cyprus 91-47 to give the reigning champions a 2-1 record in Group C.
The four-time champions still have plenty of work to do to actually book a ticket to Riga, but they played closer to the level of their victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina than their opening loss to Georgia. Cyprus meanwhile dropped to 0-3.
Turning Point
Spain didn't waste much time taking control of the game. They were leading 10-7 midway through the first quarter when they went on a 17-4 run over the next 8 minutes to pull ahead 27-11. The Spanish never let up after that leading 41-17 at halftime.
TCL Player of the Game
Willy Herrnangomez was a dominant force inside against the hosts as the EuroBasket 2022 MVP poured in 19 points on 8 of 9 shooting from the floor. He also grabbed 8 rebounds - 4 of them from the offensive glass and chipped in 3 assists.
Juancho Hernangomez and Mario Saint-Supery both chipped in 9 points for the Spanish and Darral Willis paced Cyprus with 16 points and 6 rebounds.
Stats Don't Lie
Spain shot 49 percent for the game - including hitting 14 three-pointers at a 40 percent clip - to go with 29 assists. They also turned 18 Cyprus turnovers in 21 points.
Spain also controlled the glass with a 46-24 rebound advantage including 12 offensive boards. And Cyprus managed to shoot just 38 percent for the game.
Bottom Line
Spain are still in a solid position to advance from the group with a 2-1 record though things get dramatically more difficult in their next game against Italy on Tuesday. And a final matchup awaits on Thursday. Cyprus are still looking for their first-ever EuroBasket win at 0-3 and their next opportunity will be against Georgia.
They Said
"I think we played serious and how we hoped to as the second game of a back-to-back. I appreciate the fact that the players played well, they shared the ball. We had 29 assists and 10 of them among our two young point guards. That is an excellent sign. We have to put things in perspective. That was kind of a tricky game so I am quite satisfied that we went through it in the appropriate way." - Sergio Scariolo, Spain
"We tried to follow the game plan for 40 minutes. We tried to do the right things at both ends of the floor. We tried to help each other. We took a step forward in improving in our game and play consistently for 40 minutes." - Willy Hernangomez, Spain
"I think we showed up with a very good mentality. That was the toughest part coming into this game. I think we did a great job." - Josep Puerto, Spain
"The first game against Georgia we didn't show the team we are. These two games have been very important for the team to show the real Spain that we are." - Joel Parra, Spain
"It was a great experience. Spain is a great team. They came out and made a lot of great shots. We just need to play better defense." - Darral Willis, Cyprus
"It's a big honor to represent your country and as hosts and play Spain - one of the top teams in Europe. We tried our best and are trying to gain the experience and raise the sport in Cyprus through this tournament." - Christos Loizdes, Cyprus
This game report will be updated in the coming moments. Stay tuned.
For more quotes, tune in to the official post-game press conference!
FIBA