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Spain advances to the second stage of the EuroBasket with a solvent win over Montenegro, 65-82 in a group A match that locks in their position. Brizuela contributed 18 points and Pradilla added 12, numbers that came as a pleasant surprise and helped secure a critical place in the next phase. With one group game still to play against Turkey this Wednesday, the final standings could still place them first, second, or third in the group depending on the outcome.
The season’s early doubts after a surprising defeat to Belgium were quickly put to rest as Pradilla and Darío Brizuela showed determination to lead the team from the opening minutes, while Willy Hernangómez and Lorenzo Brown provided a stabilizing presence that strengthened the lineup. The diverse scoring threat and the way the group bonded under pressure underscored their growing cohesion.
Brizuela and Pradilla’s efficiency, complemented by Hernangómez’s consistent performance near the rim and Brown’s playmaking, paired with a disciplined defensive effort, helped the squad regain the identity that had defined them in the previous games. The team focused on quick, vertical ball movement without wasting shots, emulating a fast rhythm that kept Montenegro on the back foot. Brown repeatedly orchestrated the offense, and the squad enjoyed several high-percentage tries beyond the arc.
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The other side of the story is Juancho Hernangómez’s moment of adaptation when the usual lead role did not surface as expected. He shifted his role, allowing others to assume more responsibilities. Joel Parra also saw a reduction in minutes during rotation, yet the team found a more solid balance with a lineup that leaned on guard play and external threats rather than relying on two power forwards. The result was a more robust overall performance, even when some players momentarily tasted less court time.
Spain’s performance in the match lay perfectly within the expectations set by the opening quarter, which began 17-27 in their favor. The coaching staff, under careful guidance, maintained intensity and did not ease off the accelerator, a reminder of the team’s strategic discipline.
On the defense, the focus was on neutralizing Montenegro threats such as Dubljević, Mihailović, and Kendrick Perry, the new base of Unicaja, who can stretch defenses with outside shooting. The Spanish unit moved with ease, cutting off passing lanes and pressuring the ball to force misses. The defense allowed few opportunities to exploit weaker rotations, and the entire group communicated with clarity, maintaining a high level of energy and anticipation that proved crucial in building a lead that grew to twenty points in the 15th minute (22-42). Not even halftime could dampen the momentum, with the scoreboard resting at 31-53.
The second period offered Spain a terrific chance to distribute minutes, giving Scariolo opportunities to rest certain players while preserving the team’s attacking spirit. Even as Montenegro fought to close the gap, Spain kept the control through cohesive team defense and quick transitions. The tactical plan emphasized ball pressure, controlled drives, and efficient spacing that led to repeat scoring opportunities and a steady rhythm that the Montenegrins found hard to disrupt.
The match’s broader significance lies in the path toward the second stage in Berlin, where Spain will continue to push toward a renewed European standing. The victory created a clear sense of confidence around the squad, reinforcing their ambition to compete for a high seed in the next phase and to stake a legitimate claim to elite status on the continental stage. The team now looks toward the upcoming challenges with a stronger foundation, ready to translate that momentum into further success. (Source: European Basketball Confederation)