Iyana Martín delivered 18 points and a 23 efficiency rating to help Spain edge the Czech Republic 73-71 on Tuesday in Oviedo.
The local standout, affectionately dubbed the Princess of Asturias,
also contributed 6 rebounds and 4 assists to the victory, which keeps the team on its path toward the 2027 Eurobasket.
What looked like a comfortable home win turned into a tense battle for La Familia. Spain led by as many as 13 points early in the second quarter before needing a clutch finish. During the halftime break, Martín was honored with the Gold Insignia from the Basketball Federation of the Principality of Asturias.
Spain built a 24-11 lead in the opening minutes, leaning on Martín to connect with Raquel Carrera and Paula Ginzo in the paint. Head coach Miguel Méndez accelerated his substitutions to counter the physical Czech defense.
Despite early issues in static play, Spain utilized defensive steals to fuel a 7-0 run that closed out the first quarter, capped by Irati Etxarri and captain Alba Torrens to make it 20-11.
Katerina Kalna broke a six-minute Czech scoring drought with a three-point play early in the second period. The visitors responded with a 6-11 run to tighten the score at 31-30, as the Czechs utilized active passing lanes to disrupt Spain’s rhythm. Méndez called a timeout to steady his squad. Martín and Carrera responded before the break, sending Spain into the locker room ahead 43-36.
Both teams traded deep shots after halftime, with Helena Pueyo and Petra Malikova exchanging triples. Malikova scored 10 points for the Czechs before picking up her fourth foul. With the Czech playmaker sidelined, Spain briefly utilized its identity in transition to lead 54-45 at the 36-minute mark.
However, the visitors surged by dominating the glass and hitting 7 of 13 three-pointers in the period, eventually leveling the match at 57-57. Holesinska then hit a three-pointer and a driving layup to push the visitors ahead 64-59 with under eight minutes remaining.
Iyana Martín hit a triple to cut the deficit to 67-66, then added another basket from beyond the arc. María Araújo drove to the basket in the final minute to put Spain back on top 72-71.
A final free throw from Martín extended the lead, and the Czech Republic failed to commit a tactical foul on the final possession, allowing Spain to secure the hard-fought home win.
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