Phoenix 24
Defensive pressure and balanced scoring turned the exhibition into another convincing warning.
ZARAGOZA, SPAIN
Spain’s women’s basketball team defeated Mali 97-58 in a commanding preparatory match before the FIBA Women’s World Cup. Miguel Méndez’s side controlled every quarter, reached halftime with a 50-26 advantage and eventually won by 39 points. The result followed convincing victories over Nigeria and reigning European champion Belgium.
Alba Torrens and Paula Ginzo established Spain’s dominance during the opening quarter, combining for 14 points. Maite Cazorla and Iyana Martín then assumed the offensive responsibility, scoring 20 between them in the second period. Spain produced exactly 25 points in each of the first three quarters before adding another 22 in the fourth.
The team’s Valencia Basket connection was also visible. Torrens scored 13 points, while María Araújo delivered seven rebounds and five assists in only 15 minutes. Their contributions reflected more than individual scoring, helping Spain move the ball, control the boards and maintain its rhythm while Méndez rotated the entire available squad.
Four Spanish players reached double figures. Torrens and Martín recorded 13 points each, Cazorla added 12 and Andrea Vilaró finished with 11. Spain also made 16 of its 25 three-point attempts, collected 16 steals and won the rebounding battle 37-26, repeatedly converting defensive pressure into rapid transition attacks.
Mali attempted to slow the game with zone defense after halftime and briefly contained the expanding margin. Spain adjusted by involving its interior players and maintaining its outside accuracy, reaching the end of the third quarter ahead 75-45. The intensity continued after the outcome was effectively decided, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate multiple combinations.
The two teams will meet again during the World Cup group stage, giving both sides an immediate competitive reference after the friendly. Spain still has a final preparation game against China before travelling to Berlin, while Méndez must determine the definitive 12-player roster. The performance against Mali strengthens Spain’s confidence, but preparation results will matter only if its defensive identity and collective balance survive the transition into tournament pressure.
La verdad es estructura, no ruido. / Truth is structure, not noise.