Spain Defeats Bulgaria 85-64 to Start Eurobasket Qualifiers Strong

Spain defeated Bulgaria 85-64 in a Eurobasket qualifying match after an impressive second-half performance on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

The team carries the winning momentum from the World Cup and convinces with a great start in the Eurobasket qualifiers, recording two matches and two victories with very positive feelings according to reporting from ÁREA de Comunicación FEB.

Bulgaria used the physical strength of Khaalia Hillsman inside the paint during the opening two quarters to disrupt Spain’s high-tempo offense. The hosts capitalized on early shooting opportunities and converted three shots from beyond the arc to build a 32-28 lead. Spain responded with inside scoring and free throws before head coach Miguel Méndez called a timeout.

The difference from the three-point line was Spain’s main weak point in the first half, while Bulgaria opened the outside scoring in the match and took a slight local advantage of 21-20 heading into the second stanza.

Iyana Martín sparked a late second-quarter run by pushing the pace and helping Spain claim a narrow 38-37 advantage at halftime, as Miguel Méndez’s players found rhythm and outside accuracy in an impeccable second act.

Martín scored nine consecutive points during the third quarter, stretching her game total to 21 points by the middle of the period. Spain improved its outside shooting percentage and exploited Bulgaria’s defensive zone scheme to extend the margin to 13 points. Tatyana Gateva’s squad trimmed the deficit to ten points before the start of the final quarter.

María Araujo and Raquel Carrera took control of the paint in the second half as Hillsman fatigued under the physical load. Spain pushed the lead to 16 points midway through the fourth quarter while playing aggressive defense that shut down any potential Bulgarian comeback. Lola Pendande entered the game in the closing moments, ensuring every player on the Spanish roster saw action.

Spain travels next to face Croatia on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 18:00 in the ongoing November qualifying window.