Spain U20 Women's national team claimed a hard-fought 77-69 victory over Lithuania U20 Women in a FIBA U20 Women's European Championship Division A group-stage clash. The match, played on July 5, 2026, saw the Spanish side use a decisive third-quarter surge to build a lead that proved just enough to withstand a late Lithuanian rally.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams showed why they belong in Division A. Spain relied on ball movement and disciplined defense, while Lithuania countered with aggressive drives and three-point shooting. The first half remained tight, with neither side able to pull away by more than six points. Spain took a narrow 36-34 lead into the break, setting the stage for a tense second half.

The Turning Point: Third Quarter Domination

Spain came out of the locker room with renewed energy. A 12-2 run in the opening four minutes of the third quarter forced Lithuania to call an early timeout. The Spanish backcourt, led by point guard Ana Martínez, dictated the tempo and created open looks for her teammates. Spain outscored Lithuania 25-15 in the period, stretching their lead to 12 points heading into the final quarter.

Lithuania’s Late Push Falls Short

Lithuania refused to go quietly. In the fourth quarter, they employed a full-court press that disrupted Spain's rhythm. Forward Eglė Petrauskaitė scored eight quick points, cutting the deficit to just five with three minutes remaining. However, Spain's veteran composure proved decisive. Center Laura García converted a crucial three-point play, and a pair of free throws from Martínez sealed the game.

Standout Performers

• Spain U20 Women: Ana Martínez finished with a game-high 22 points and 7 assists, controlling the offense throughout. Laura García added a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring the paint on both ends.
• Lithuania U20 Women: Eglė Petrauskaitė led her team with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Simona Kazlauskaitė contributed 14 points and 4 steals, causing problems for Spain's backcourt.

Game Stats at a Glance

• Field goal percentage: Spain 44.3% – Lithuania 41.2%
• Three-pointers: Spain 9-of-24 (37.5%) – Lithuania 7-of-22 (31.8%)
• Rebounds: Spain 38 – Lithuania 32
• Turnovers: Spain 13 – Lithuania 16

Impact on the Tournament

With this win, Spain improved to 2-1 in the group stage, strengthening their position for a quarterfinal berth. Lithuania, now 1-2, faces a must-win game in their next outing to keep their knockout hopes alive. The result also highlighted Spain's depth and ability to execute under pressure – traits that could carry them deep into the championship. For Lithuania, the lesson is clear: staying competitive for 40 minutes is essential against top-tier opponents.