After a sluggish start to FIBA U20 EuroBasket 2025, Spain finally got back on track in the Round of 16. Iowa Men's Basketball forward Alvaro Folgueiras and Spain could not find their offense in their first two games in group play, losing 79-74 to Israel and 67-63 to Poland.
Their offense came alive in their final game of group play, as they dominated Finland 89-71 to advance to the Round of 16.
In their Round of 16 game against Czechia, Spain used a solid defensive performance, tallying 14 steals and eight blocked shots, to stifle Czechia and advance to the quarterfinals after a 70-54 victory.
Spain looked to carry their momentum into the quarterfinals against a tough Serbia squad.
Serbia 🇷🇸 with a 4th quarter takeover to book their spot in the #U20EuroBasket Semi-Finals! ✅ pic.twitter.com/ycuOqbTDmR
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) July 17, 2025
Spain and Serbia traded buckets early in the first quarter, but Spain held a six-point lead (22-16) heading into the second quarter.
The second quarter was a defensive struggle between the two sides, only scoring a combined 27 points, with Spain holding a slim 35-30 lead at halftime.
The third quarter was similar to the second quarter, and Spain held a 49-45 lead going into the final quarter with a spot in the semifinals on the line.
Serbia's offense came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 31 points, including a 14-0 run to take the lead and a 76-66 win.
Serbia led for only eight minutes in the game and were beaten in most statistical categories, but they forced 17 turnovers and had 10 steals to seal their victory.
Alvaro Folgueiras posted a double-double with a team-leading 13 points, along with 11 rebounds and three assists in the loss.
Spain will have another chance in the consolation bracket in a rematch against Israel on Saturday, July 19.