ESP - Spain dedicate win to suspended Sans

KAUNAS (2012 FIBA U17 World Championship) – There’s no doubt that Agusti Sans has learned his lesson. The Spanish shooting guard was forced to sit out and sweat out Spain’s 64-57 victory over China to reach the Semi-Finals of the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship.

“It was the worst day of my life. I hope I never feel like I do now again,” said Sans, who was suspended for the game after kicking a bottle out of frustration in the aftermath of Spain’s loss to Croatia in the final game of the Preliminary Round.

“I learned that I have to control my emotions. I will never do something like this again.”

Sans’ teammates were happy to celebrate the victory with him after the game.

“He’s a good friend and the win is for him. The whole team worked hard for him," said Spanish center Ilimane Diop.

"He’s a good player and very important for the team,”

And Spain coach Alejandro Martinez hugged Sans when the victory was secure just seconds before the final buzzer.

“We only had one idea the whole time, the victory for Agusti Sans. That is our present for the day,” he said.

“We knew that we were playing without one of our best players. Everybody had to take one step up. The prize was the victory.”

Spain cannot afford to not have Sans on the court in the Semi-Finals against the United States.

“I cannot wait to get back on the court,” said Sans. He has learned his lesson.

FIBA