GB Women unable to overcome stifling Spanish defence

GB Women faced a challenging task as they took on Spain in their opening fixture of the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025.

With a convincing qualification campaign under their belt and a trio of preparation fixtures to iron out any issues, GB came into this fixture full of confidence, no doubt buoyed by the arrival of Golden State Valkyries star Tèmítọ́pẹ́ Fágbénlé.

Nevertheless, the ruthless Spanish defence proved too much, overwhelming GB’s offence whilst Spain’s young talents illustrated their exceptional potential.

Helena Pueyo set the tone early for Spain with a chase-down block on Holy Winterburn, sending her left-handed lay-up into the stands. Two-time FIBA Europe Women’s Player of the Year and EuroLeague Finals MVP Alba Torrens then stepped up, showing why she is still one of the elite players in this game, splashing in a three in transition.

Spain’s theme of rapidly translating defence to offence became all too familiar, as Mariona Ortiz forced another turnover, this time on Catriona Henderson, before playing Paula Ginzo in for the easy lay-in.

GB ensured they remained within striking distance in the first, mainly thanks to Sam Ashby’s hot shooting, ending the quarter down just 13-18. Ashby continued her prolific scoring into the second quarter, driving left towards the paint before stopping on a dime, twisting back, and cashing in the tough fadeaway jumper with Andrea Vilaro draped all over her.

Half time score: GBR 25 / ESP 48

Despite GB’s shotmaking proficiency, the Spanish defence continued to cause problems. Iyana Martin Carrion, who finished the game with 14 points in as many minutes, turned the ball over early in the second quarter, bursting ahead of the pack for the lay-up. Soon after, her three-point jump-shot gave Spain a comfortable 17-33 lead.

GB refused to back down, trusting their pass-first offence to generate open looks, finding Fágbénlé wide open under the basket. But, ultimately, the Spanish defence proved too strong, as GB were unable to string a consistent run together, whilst Spain capitalised on mistakes to ensure the lead remained vast and insurmountable.

Sam Ashby finished as GB’s leading scorer with 17 points on 7/12 shooting, whilst Fagbenle and Henderson put up 14 apiece.

On the other side, Spain’s young stars steamed ahead, with Carrion scoring 14 points and Awa Fam and Raquel Carrera supporting the defensive charge.

Final score: GBR 70 / ESP 85

GB will next take on Sweden on Friday, 20 June, before facing the hosts, Germany, on Sunday, 22 June, as they look to secure qualification from Group D.