Spain’s women’s basketball team secured a 77-66 victory over Hungary in a fiercely fought European qualifier, completing a strong run that included a prior win against Iceland and another triumph over Romania. The result solidified their position in the running for a place in the European Championship, with momentum building as the group stage nears its end in 2023 competition calendars.
In front of a packed Carolina Marín de Huelva Sports Palace, Spain faced their main group rival in a high-stakes duel. The atmosphere crackled as the Spaniards, who had already beaten Iceland on Thursday, extended their perfect form against Hungary to two consecutive wins. The outcome left Romania’s later result as a formality, sealing Spain’s passage to the European Championships in Slovenia and Israel. The team’s confidence was palpable after the match, and the squad’s sense of national pride showed in every play. This milestone was celebrated as a collective achievement reflective of the group’s unity and determination.
We are ready for EuroBasket Women, said the team, highlighting their four victories and Romania’s defeat that guaranteed a spot in Slovenia and Israel. The pride of the group, described in social media captions, underscored the sense of family and teamwork that carried them through tense moments on the court. Official posts from the federation captured the win as a testament to the continued growth of the program and its players at the highest levels of European competition.
Led by coach Miguel Méndez, the lineup showed resilience and precision, often outshooting the Magyar defense and translating defensive effort into fast, productive offense. Astou Ndour emerged as the leading scorer with 21 points and a 28 efficiency rating, anchoring the Spaniards with inside presence and reliable scoring. The performance demonstrated the squad’s depth and balance, with several players contributing important baskets and defensive stops throughout the game.
pulse change
Hungary began with a balanced exchange of baskets, signaling a competitive start. The Magyar side appeared tougher than Iceland and challenged Spain’s rhythm, forcing the Spaniards to find alternate ways to move the ball and break through the set Hungarian defense.
Midway through the first quarter, Spain answered a 5-7 deficit with an 8-0 run, reclaiming momentum and moving ahead 13-7. The Spaniards tightened their defense, exploiting fast breaks and penetrations to draw fouls and extend the advantage (17-13). A three-pointer by Reka Dombai briefly narrowed the gap, keeping the score tight and setting the stage for a strategic battle across the full 40 minutes.
Captain Alba Torrens shifted the tone at the start of the second quarter, threading a three-pointer and finishing a fast break to push the margin toward double digits. Leonor Rodríguez then led a stretch late in the second period, contributing ten points and helping Spain reach a 39-29 halftime lead. The team’s defensive intensity—through steals and quick transitions—translated into offensive opportunities and kept Hungary on their heels.
Spain’s disciplined approach kept Hungary from gaining steady traction as the defense stymied many fast-moving Hungarian plays. The home crowd’s energy fed the players, and the Spaniards entered the locker room with a comfortable advantage after executing the game plan to near perfection in the first two quarters.
⛔ Maria Conde’s dynamic moments and the team’s collective effort were highlights on social media as fans celebrated the resilience and teamwork that defined the first half of the contest.
— FIBA Women’s EuroBasket provided coverage of the event, underscoring the competitive nature of the clash and the strong performance from the hosts.
iron defense
In the second half, Ndour continued to make her presence felt, adding weight inside the paint and scoring a team-leading 15 points with five rebounds. Spain’s defense tightened further, limiting Hungary’s shooting options and forcing them into tough attempts. While María Conde contributed significantly to the offense, the Spaniards remained focused on maintaining the upper hand as the clock wore down.
By the third quarter, the focus shifted to sustaining the lead and preventing any Hungarian surge. Although Hungary found moments of success, their scoring runs were stifled by solid defense and disciplined rebounding. The Spanish offense relied on a balanced attack, balancing Ndour’s inside scoring with perimeter threats from the backcourt and wings. Hungary’s own shooters found it difficult to convert at a high rate, allowing Spain to maintain a steady cushion through much of the second half.
Entering the final frame, the scoreline reflected a controlled performance by Spain, who managed to keep Hungary at arm’s length. The tempo remained brisk, and the Spanish players pressed with confidence, making sure to shut down any late-game rally attempt. The team’s steady execution and mental composure proved decisive as they closed out the game to clinch a 77-66 victory and secure their spot in the European Championship field for the following year.
With the final whistle, the crowd in Huelva erupted in celebration, recognizing a disciplined team effort that translated into a well-deserved qualification. The win stood as a clear indicator of Spain’s growing strength in international women’s basketball and their potential to compete at the highest level in the upcoming European tournament.
Data sheet:
77 – Spain (23, 29, 17, 8): Maite Cazorla 9, Queralt Casas 13, Raquel Carrera 6, María Conde 5, Astou Ndour 21, María Araújo 5, Paula Ginzo 0, Laura Pena 0, Laura Quevedo 0, Leonor Rodríguez 11, Leticia Romero 0, Alba Torrens 7.
66 – Hungary (16, 13, 18, 19): Debora Dubei 5, Cyesha Goree 10, Reka Lelik 4, Agnes Studer 10, Virag Kiss 14, Reka Dombai 9, Bernadett Horvath 3, Veronika Kanyasi 7, Angele Kiss 0, Beatrix Meresz 2, Dora Nagy 2, Agnes Torok 0.
Referees: Beniamino Manuel Attard, Franko Gracin, Anastasios Kardaris. The match marked the second window of Group C qualifiers for the European Championship in Slovenia and Israel, attracting a crowd of about 3,500 at the Palacio de Deportes Carolina Marín in Huelva. The summary acknowledges the teamwork, coaching leadership, and the collective effort that defined the day’s performance, as reported by organizers and sporting agencies dedicated to keeping fans informed about women’s basketball in Europe.