KAUNAS (2012 FIBA U17 World Championship) – Croatia bounced back from their first loss of the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship to ease past Spain 93-61 for the bronze medal.

One day after losing to Australia in the Semi-Finals for their first defeat in Kaunas, Mario Hezonja collected 23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals for the U16 European champions.

Karlo Zganec and Paolo Marinelli both added 13 points.

Spain, losers to the United States in the Semi-Finals, were paced by Ilimane Diop with 13 points and 11 from Agusti Sans.

The game was close in the first quarter with Croatia leading 15-11 after 10 minutes.

They then used on a 12-0 run for a 30-13 lead and the advantage increased to 22 points with coach Ante Nazor’s team ahead 43-23 at the break.

Spain were never able to find a rhythm after the break and Croatia pushed the margin to 27 points at 60-33. Spain would not get closer than 18 points the rest of the way.

FIBA