Alvaro Folgueiras' near-triple-double is not enough as Spain falls to Slovenia

Slovenia always had an answer for Spain as they took down one of the pre-tournament favorites
Mar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Robert Morris Colonials forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) reacts in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the NCAA Tournament First Round at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Mar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Robert Morris Colonials forward Alvaro Folgueiras (7) reacts in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the NCAA Tournament First Round at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Spain under-20 national team had one more chance to finish FIBA U20 EuroBasket 2025 on a high note after dropping their previous two games.

In their most recent game against Israel, Spain lost 80-69 after another poor performance on the offensive end of the floor.

Spain shot 29.7 percent from the field and 15.6 percent from three-point range, dropping their second straight game.

In their quarterfinal matchup against Serbia, Spain let the game slip away in the late stages of the fourth quarter, allowing Serbia to go on a 14-0 run and take the lead, ultimately securing a 76-66 victory.

After two disappointing losses, Spain took on Slovenia in the seventh place game on Sunday morning.

In a defensive first half, Spain held Slovenia to seven points in the second quarter and took a slim 28-27 lead into halftime.

The offenses came to life in the third quarter, combining for 49 points, with Slovenia taking a slight advantage after scoring 26 points. The fourth quarter ended with an even 24-24 score, giving Slovenia a 77-75 victory and a seventh-place finish.

Spain struggled again from behind the three-point line, making only six three-point baskets on 27.3 percent shooting.

Iowa forward Alvaro Folgueiras had his best game of the tournament, posting his third straight double-double and nearly achieving a triple-double. Folgueiras had a team-leading 28 points, 17 rebounds, and nine assists.

Folgueiras also had his best shooting game of the tournament, shooting 69 percent from the field and making both of his three-point attempts.

Folgueiras returns to Iowa City to rejoin the Iowa Men's Basketball squad after an eighth-place finish at FIBA U20 EuroBasket 2025.

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