BELGRADE (Serbia) - Spain re-captured the FIBA U18 EuroBasket title in dramatic fashion with a stunning comeback to beat France in Sunday's Final.
It was France who had seemingly taken control of the contest with a strong third quarter and also led 79-71 with less than a minute remaining. But back came Spain with Guillermo Del Pino scoring nine points - including the game-winning three in the dying seconds - to snatch an incredible 82-81 triumph.
Del Pino finished with a game-high 23 points in the win to help Spain confirm a sixth title at the event, with Andy Huelves adding 16 points.
Ian Platteeuw was named MVP of the tournament with his consistent performances throughout the week playing a key role in Spain going 7-0.
The Spaniard was joined in the All-Star lineup by France's Maxence Lemoine as well as Italian forward Diego Garavaglia, Serbia's Pavle Backo and Valdis Valters of Latvia.
Italy had claimed their first podium finish since 2016 as they defeated Latvia 86-68 in the Third Place Game. Achille Lonati top scored in the win with 27 points.
Meanwhile, at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket, Division B tournament, Denmark defeated Estonia 83-77 in the Final with the two nations joined by Slovakia in securing promotion.
The three teams head to Division A next summer as they replace North Macedonia, Belgium and Sweden, who finished in the bottom three in Belgrade.
Final Standings
1. Spain 2. France 3. Italy 4. Latvia 5. Serbia 6. Slovenia 7. Germany 8. Türkiye 9. Lithuania 10. Israel 11. Greece 12. Austria 13. Bulgaria 14. North Macedonia 15. Belgium 16. Sweden
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