MADRID, 3 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Spanish women’s basketball team achieved a notable victory this Friday against Belgium (79-70) in the second and last match of the triangular tour ‘Camino al Futuro’, which serves as preparation for this new Spain that continues to forge its new project .
The national team, led by Miguel Méndez, achieved a hard-fought victory at the Javier Imbroda in Melilla against a feisty Belgium that never gave up. Spain needed the best version of Astou Ndour, author of 24 points, 10 rebounds and a PIR of 31, to lead the Spanish victory when the company was most delicate.
In addition to Ndour, who was the great leader in Spain, players such as Queralt Casas, Maite Cazorla, María Aráujo or Leonor Rodríguez also stood out, second highest scorer in ‘La Familia’ thanks to her 12 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
However, the game was not easy for a Spanish team that suffered from the Belgian success from the outside. The initial 0-6 and the good defenses of the Central European team made it difficult for Spain to continue the pace they set against Italy in their first triangular game.
Vanloo and Linskens pulled the Belgian car that went 6-12 minutes later and even 14-20. The difference was wiped out at 22-22, which served to unleash Spain from the perimeter. A tremendous run with points from Salvadores, Araújo and Casas left the score at 36-27, a superiority that was also maintained at halftime (38-34).
In the second half it was Astou Ndour who imposed his law in the paint. Massey replied in Belgium (44-38) but between Leo Rodríguez and Irati Etxarri they took the advantage until the ten (48-38). Spain stepped on the accelerator -which raised the partial to 5-1 in a couple of minutes- for the almost definitive +14 (53-39).
Belgium, however, sold their defeat dearly and pressed again with 54-50. But, now yes, Leo and Silvia confirmed the good Spanish work and -at the beginning of the last quarter- thanks to a 9-0 (67-55) the game was ‘finished’ before time despite the final triples of the Belgians. Spain leaves Melilla with victory in the triangle and will meet again in Guadalajara for the matches of the Cividale del Friuli Tournament against Slovenia (June 18) and Italy (June 19).