Spain Beats Senegal 84-51, Takes Another Step Toward World Cup

Second Qualifier game and second victory, this one against Senegal and also achieved with clarity (84-51). With this perfect 2-0 record, Spain's women's national team has taken another important step toward securing a spot in the World Cup next September in Germany, which they will need to confirm after a rest day. Iyana Martín delivered a flawless performance with 16 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals in just over 13 minutes.

You couldn't ask for a better start. Spain certified its 2-0 record after the first two games of the Qualifier in San Juan, Puerto Rico with a second victory, this one against Senegal, more hard-fought than the first against New Zealand, but also decisive, showcasing their superiority and, once again, with fluid team basketball.

Just as in their debut, Spain conceded the first basket of the game, but responded immediately with their usual weapons—steals and fast breaks—and an inspired Araújo on offense, who after her first three-pointer began to open up the scoreboard (15-4, minute 6). With the second, already at the end of the second quarter and after another three-pointer from Pueyo, Spain took a commanding lead into halftime with a 42-21 advantage over Senegal.

With the game well in hand, the third quarter was a true Spanish exhibition, resulting in a 30-13 run in which Iyana Martín's flawless performance stood out—in barely 13 minutes on the court she recorded 16 points with almost no misses, 4 assists, and 3 steals. In the final two minutes she sealed two consecutive three-pointers, which further extended the lead (68-33), and just before the buzzer Pueyo completed another three-pointer.

When Spain reached their largest lead, a +44 advantage (78-34), the point guard committed her fourth foul and the team felt her absence. Senegal also had their moments, competing hard on the boards and showing better accuracy overall, with Kané as their main reference. Without the fluidity of the third quarter, the score gradually tightened to the final 84-51.

After this second victory, Spain not only boasts a perfect 2-0 record but also an impressive +82 point differential. The team coached by Miguel Méndez will have their next games with just hours between them, both on the same day on our calendar—Sunday—first against Puerto Rico and then against Italy, before closing out the tournament on Tuesday against the United States.