Spain snuck into the Round of 16 after finishing 1-2 in group play for the FIBA U20 EuroBasket 2025

The U20 Spain Team struggled offensively until the final game
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 Spanish under-20 team struggled in their first matchup against Israel of the FIBA U20 EuroBasket 2025 tournament. Their poor offensive play led to a 20-point halftime deficit (50-30).

They turned it around in the second half, outscoring Israel 44-29, but their comeback attempt fell short as they lost 79-74 in game one.

Iowa Forward Alvaro Folgueiras struggled shooting in the first game, scoring only seven points on 15.4 percent shooting from the field, and missed all nine of his three-point attempts. Spain had two more chances to improve and advance out of group play on Sunday and Monday.

Game Two - Spain versus Poland (Sunday, July 13)

Spain were heavy favorites in their game two matchup against Poland. They needed a much better offensive performance to secure a much-needed victory in pool play.

Poland entered Sunday's game after an impressive 12-point victory over Finland. They used a massive 31-point first quarter outburst to set the tone and never looked back.

Spain jumped out to an early 18-14 first-quarter lead, but let it slip away in the second quarter. Finland tied the game at 20-20 early in the second quarter before Spain woke up.

They used a 10-0 run to retake the lead, and take a nine-point lead (33-24) into halftime. After halftime, it was all Poland.

Spain came out hot early and pushed their lead to as much as 18 before Poland cut into the deficit. Poland held Spain to 19 points in the third quarter and cut the deficit to six points (52-46).

Poland started the fourth quarter with a big three-point basket by Jacek Rutecki to trim Spain's lead to three points.

Spain pushed the lead back to six, but could not put them away. Poland kept pushing and took a 64-62 lead on back-to-back baskets by Pawel Sowinski.

Spain's offense let them down again as they were not able to score a basket in the final two minutes of the game.

In a shocking upset, Spain fell 67-63 to Poland. Folgueiras struggled shooting once again, scoring only three points on 12.5 percent shooting, and missed all three of his three-point attempts.

Game Three - Spain versus Finland (Monday, July 14)

Spain entered Monday's game after back-to-back losses and was looking to get on track. After a deflating 67-63 loss to Poland, where they held an 18-point lead, Spain badly needed a win in their third game against Finland.

After two lackluster shooting performances in games one and two, Spain finally woke up in game three.

Spain used an early 8-1 first-quarter run to jump out to a five-point lead (23-18). They had another solid second quarter, outscoring Finland 25-18, and held a 48-36 lead at halftime.

Spain pushed the lead as high as 14 points in the third quarter and finished with a 69-57 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Finland cut the deficit to 10 midway through the fourth quarter, but Spain hit the gas. They used a 10-0 to secure the lead and pushed the lead to 18 before the final buzzer. Spain finished off Finland 89-71 to advance to the Round of 16.

Folgueiras finally had a decent shooting night, finishing with 11 points on 44.4 percent shooting, and knocked down three three-point baskets.

Spain takes on the Czech Republic on Wednesday, July 16 in the Round of 16.

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