The Spanish women’s under 18 basketball team faced a tough day in Heraklion, Greece, as the European championship clash against Lithuania ended with a 75 to 78 scoreline. After a tournament where extra time often reshaped the final standings, Spain narrowly missed adding another medal this summer and secured the season’s third silver in the process.
The young team, coached by Bernat Canut, battled a robust Lithuanian squad from the opening tip. The Lithuanian leader dominated the boards and the scoreboard across three quarters, pulling ahead in the closing stretch. Central to Lithuania’s triumph was Juste Jocyte, who produced an outstanding performance with 28 points and earned the game MVP honors by compiling 38 efficiency points, supported by nine rebounds and a string of seven assists that kept the pressure on Spain throughout the match.
On the Spanish side, Elena Buenavida delivered a standout offensive display, finishing with 36 points, including a season-high 27 in the second half, along with five rebounds and a game-high 34 performance index rating values that underscored her impact on the court.
The final outcome remained in doubt until the very end. With 26 seconds left on the clock, Marina Asensio connected on a three-pointer to put Spain up 75-76 and in line for a potential upset. In the ensuing possession, Jocyte calmly knocked down two free throws and controlled the next nine seconds, forcing the Spaniards to contend with crucial ball security. Despite Asensio’s valiant efforts on the next sequence, she could not convert, allowing Lithuania to seal the victory and claim the gold. The decisive moments reflected the high level of competition and the fine margins that define youth European basketball.
In the bronze-medal contest, France edged Germany by a comfortable margin, 75-46, to finish in third place and claim the bronze. The podium finish across the two semifinals and final underscored the depth of talent across the competing nations and the evolving landscape of European under 18 women’s basketball.
These results illustrate the growth and resilience of the Spanish program as it continues to develop young players who balance speed, shooting, and defense. The performances by Buenavida and the leadership shown by the squad point to a bright horizon for Spain in subsequent youth and junior showcases. The Championship itself offered a platform where coaches, scouts, and national programs could observe rising talents and identify areas for improvement as the cycle moves toward the next major events. The event also highlighted the importance of stamina, teamwork, and tactical flexibility when facing a high-caliber European field, particularly in matches decided by small margins and late-game decisions. Source: FIBA Europe.