Things have taken a turn for La Familia just when everything seemed on track. The 67–63 loss to Italy, combined with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 81–77 win over Greece, means Sergio Scariolo’s squad heads into its final Group C game of the Eurobasket against Giannis Antetokounmpo—Thursday, September 4 at 8:00 p.m.—needing a victory to avoid a shock elimination that would be devastating for the reigning champions from Georgia.
These Troubles Started in Georgia
Exactly that. That unexpected and resounding defeat to Georgia in the opening game of the continental tournament is now coming back in the worst possible way, since a by-no-means-unlikely combination on Thursday—an Spain loss plus a Bosnia win—would send Spain home.
To avoid such a nerve-racking ending, the national team knew it had to beat Italy, and they started out determined. In the first seven and a half minutes, they rattled off a 13–0 run against their Mediterranean rival. It was a strong start, but La Familia couldn’t keep it going.
Midway through the second quarter, Italy tied it up at 25–25. Even after that blow, Spain stayed in front until halftime—leading by six—and for most of the third quarter. However, the dominance of Mouhamet Diouf—he outplayed Willy Hernangómez and every defender in his way—proved critical, keeping the Italians within striking distance until they moved ahead just before the final quarter.
At that point, Spain didn’t look good. Italy seemed confident across its roster, while Spain was plagued by ups and downs. Some players were locked in, like Santi Aldama. Others, like Willy Hernangómez, looked adrift. Still, Scariolo’s group had a chance. Down by one with 30 seconds left, they had the ball in hand but botched the offensive set, settling for a poor shot by Willy and then committing a worse unsportsmanlike foul by Joel Parra… That ended it. Italy cashed in on the gift to seal its comeback and secure a spot in the Round of 16.
Aldama, De Larrea… and That’s It
Spain missed key contributors, especially Willy Hernangómez, who came in as the team’s leading scorer in the tournament but managed only a single point. Without his usual production, Italy dominated the glass, second-chance points, and scoring in the paint. That deficit was too big for such a tight contest.
On the positive side, there’s no doubt Sergio de Larrea and Santi Aldama stood out. As the team’s starting point guard, De Larrea was asked to score more and responded with 15 points. Memphis forward Aldama posted a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double to lead this Family, which may not shine like it once did but still stands united and full of fight.
Spain’s Scenarios
They’re straightforward. If Spain beats Greece, it moves on to the Round of 16 and could even top the group if things break right. Since Bosnia plays earlier, if Bosnia wins against Georgia, Scariolo’s guys must beat the Greeks to avoid going home. Simply put: if they don’t take down Giannis Antetokounmpo, they likely say goodbye to a tournament in which they defend the European crown they won in 2022.
Box Score
67 – Italy (10+20+19+18): Pajola (2), Spagnolo (3), Fontecchio (8), Melli (-), Diouf (14) —starters—; Thompson (7), Ricci (11), Spissu (7), Niang (10), Gallinari (2), Procida (3).
63 – Spain (18+18+11+16): De Larrea (15), Parra (1), Aldama (19), Yusta (2), Willy Hernangómez (1) —starters—; Saint-Supéry (7), Brizuela (7), Puerto (9), Pradilla (2), Juancho Hernangómez (-), López-Arostegui (-).
Referees: Matthew Leigh Kallio (Canada), Jorge Vázquez (Puerto Rico), and Peter Praksch (Hungary). Melli (m.37) and Brizuela (m.39) fouled out.
Notes: Group C match of Eurobasket 2025 played at Spyros Kyprianou Arena in Limassol (Cyprus).
