MADRID, 7 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Spanish U-18 men’s basketball team was proclaimed European champion again this Sunday by beating the host Turkey (68-61) in the final of the tournament held in Izmir, defending the title also won by Spain in 2019.
The Spanish squad had a perfect tournament, seven wins in seven games, with Izan Almansa, MVP of the U-17 World Cup last July, also named European MVP.
Despite the resistance of the host, Spain commanded in the final, managing to lead up to 14 points. However, the final minutes equalized the score and, in the midst of much tension and protests to the referees, Spain defended its throne.
Almansa led the way in the first quarter (22-14), while Turkey increased their defensive aggressiveness in the second period, without being able to turn the score around (36-31).
Spain continued to do their thing, despite the problem of fouls by Villar and Yitzoglu, to achieve their maximum lead in the third quarter (49-35). The Spanish attack got stuck in the Turkish zone but Villar (20 points) got a Spain out of trouble that is once again golden.
