Photo: FIBA.BASKETBALL

Spain moved another step closer to the knockout stage of FIBA EuroBasket 2025 by dominating hosts Cyprus 91-47, giving the reigning champions a 2-1 record in Group C.

While the four-time European champions still have work ahead to secure a ticket to Riga, they showed a performance closer to their impressive win over Bosnia and Herzegovina than their opening loss to Georgia.

Cyprus, meanwhile, fell to 0-3 and is still searching for their first EuroBasket victory.

The turning point came early as Spain quickly asserted control. Trailing just 10-7 midway through the first quarter, the Spanish went on a decisive 17-4 run over the next eight minutes to take a 27-11 lead.

From that moment, they never looked back, heading into halftime with a commanding 41-17 advantage.

Willy Hernangomez was the standout performer, dominating the paint and showing why he was the EuroBasket 2022 MVP. He finished with 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting, pulled down 8 rebounds, including 4 offensive boards, and added 3 assists.

Juancho Hernangomez and Mario Saint-Supery contributed 9 points each for Spain, while Darral Willis led the Cyprus side with 16 points and 6 rebounds.

Statistically, Spain controlled the game across the board. They shot 49 percent overall, including 14 three-pointers at 40 percent, and dished out 29 assists.

The Spanish also converted 18 turnovers by Cyprus into 21 points and dominated the boards with a 46-24 rebounding advantage, including 12 offensive rebounds. Cyprus managed just 38 percent shooting for the game.

The victory leaves Spain in a solid position to advance from the group, though their path becomes significantly tougher in the upcoming matchup against Italy on Tuesday, followed by a final group game on Thursday.

Cyprus, still winless at 0-3, will look to bounce back in their next game against Georgia.

Spain’s Josep Puerto highlighted the team’s mindset after the game: “I think we showed up with a very good mentality. That was the toughest part coming into this game. I think we did a great job.”

Joel Parra added: “The first game against Georgia we didn’t show the team we are. These two games have been very important for the team to show the real Spain that we are.”

From the Cyprus perspective, Darral Willis acknowledged the challenge of facing a top European side: “It was a great experience. Spain is a great team. They came out and made a lot of great shots. We just need to play better defense.”

Christos Loizdes also emphasized the significance of the opportunity: “It’s a big honor to represent your country and as hosts and play Spain – one of the top teams in Europe. We tried our best and are trying to gain the experience and raise the sport in Cyprus through this tournament.”

Spain’s commanding performance demonstrated their depth and skill, while Cyprus gained valuable experience facing a powerhouse team, hoping to use lessons learned to improve in their remaining games.

Spain brush aside Cyprus for back-to-back wins 💯https://t.co/4qqh3lvvgU