Sergio Palau ran the floor and finished his shifts with authority: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals and a near-perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line in just 17 minutes. Spain's U16 side overwhelmed our young Lions 97–60 in the Round of 16, a 37-point margin that left no room for momentum swings. Palau's efficiency—4 of 6 from the field, including a three-pointer—was a microcosm of Spain's control. Our boys fought for stretches, but the gap in execution and composure widened as the game wore on. This marks the end of Belgium U16's campaign; the road back starts with honest reflection on where the gaps sit.