The Spanish basketball team, led by a Santi Yusta who scored 25 pointscertified this Monday its ranking for the Eurobasket 2025 after beating Slovakia by 84-71 in a match that was resolved in the final stretch of the third quarter with a partial 10-1.
Slovakia required a lot of concentration for his ability to run and punish every mistake. This is not a high level selectionbut he knows how to exploit his weapons well in the inside game, where he has caused problems for the national team.
Every time Spain experiences a growth spurt, Aramis Naglic’s team He clung to the inspiration of Vladimir Brodziansky to prevent his rival from breaking up the clash. The UCAM Murcia striker reached the halfway point of the second quarter with 12 points, but, without rest, it faded and Spain reached a maximum income of fifteen points at halftime (47-32).
It was not a brilliant match for the team Sergio Scariolowithout success from the three-point line (2/9 at halftime). But in moments of doubts appeared Santi Yusta and Carlos Alocéndecisive in attack. Added to this was the team’s good defensive balance under pressure.
The differences were few (11-9, 22-20, 31-28) until Brodziansky has disappearedor and Slovakia accused him. In the last five minutes of the first half, he scored only two baskets. -Timotej Malovec and Michael Fusek- and Spain did not forgive with a partial 16-4.
But as had already happened in Bratislava, the Spanish team found themselves stuck in attack when they were at their best. In four minutes, he scored only one basket -Santi Yusta after a steal and his subsequent counter-attack- and Slovakia began to believe in a comeback. Scariolo called a timeout (49-44)but a new triple from David Abraham pushes the electronics to the maximum.
Paco Paz, silent until that moment, pressedand these encouragements from the stands were a breath of fresh air for the team, which experienced another small growth spurt thanks to a sensational Santi Yustaboth in terms of score and direction.
Aramis Naglic stops the match (59-48, min.26)but Spain, much more aggressive in defense, had already reached its cruising speed. The game seemed doomed to failure (74-57, minutes 32)but another bird attacking made the excitement.
Slovakia was nine (76-67) with just over four minutesforcing Scariolo to call a timeout. But Yusta appeared with another triple decisive to avoid further disappointments.
