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ago 31 2026Spain came agonizingly close to a stunning victory in Athens, rallying from a 12-point deficit in the final six minutes (72-60 to 86-86) to force overtime with a three-pointer from Juancho. However, Greece capitalized on free throws in the extra period, and Spain's final three-point attempt by Brizuela fell short. Parra (18), Saint-Supéry (16), and Mara (15) led Spain's scoring, but Dorsey and Mitoglou (29 points each) proved unstoppable for Greece
Greece's opening was impressive in a packed OAKA arena: an 8-0 run in less than three minutes before Hugo got Spain on the board. The Greeks, controlling the pace through free throws and Mitoglou's three-pointers (5-for-5 in the first half), built a lead as large as +9 (13-4, minute 5). But with Saint-Supéry and Aday Mara, Spain took control until two consecutive baskets from Jaime Pradilla in the final minute of the first quarter flipped the scoreboard (19-20).
In the second quarter, Spain's three-pointers started falling, and de Larrea controlled the tempo, adding two quick three-pointers. With the first of these, Spain reached its largest lead (21-27, minute 13). Two more three-pointers from an unstoppable Mitoglou prevented Spain from extending the advantage, and a couple of turnovers allowed Greece to regain control; meanwhile, Hugo and Cárdenas picked up their third fouls. At halftime, Greece's lead was minimal at 43-42 after two free throws by Parra. The game remained wide open.
Spain answered Greece's opening basket of the second half and tied the game with a Parra basket (49-49, minute 25). But Calathes controlled the tempo and Dorsey began to dominate offensively, finishing the game in unstoppable form. Greece exploited its ability to control the pace, and a free throw by Toliopoulos closed the third quarter at an excessive 67-58.
In the fourth quarter, Spain appeared to have lost the game when trailing by 12 after a Bazinas three-pointer (72-60, minute 33). But then Spain showed character, recovering loose balls instead of turning them over and converting them. Parra and Pradilla led the team, Cárdenas hit a crucial three-pointer, and a mixed defense on Dorsey worked. The score tightened, and with 14 seconds remaining, after two Dorsey free throws (86-83), Juancho capped Spain's possession with a three-pointer (86-86). Overtime.
In the extra period, Greece made better use of free throws. Five minutes that were nearly a coin flip. Spain trailed throughout, but a Brizuela three-pointer with 19 seconds left made it 107-105, putting Spain one step away from the upset. Then came a crucial play: in a spectacular three-on-one, Parra stole the ball from Dorsey at midcourt, drove to the basket, and the naturalized player fouled him. The referees did not call it a flagrant foul with 13 seconds on the clock. Joel made only one free throw (107-106). Toliopoulos then missed one with 10 seconds remaining, and the 108-106 score held as Brizuela's forced three-pointer missed.
In the second window of this second phase of World Cup qualifying next November, Spain will visit Montenegro and host Greece.
