LA PALMA (Spain) - Spain celebrated a sixth title success at the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket after beating first-time finalists Finland.
They raced out of the blocks with a 24-12 opening quarter, but needed a strong effort in the fourth to close out an 81-72 victory after Finland had closed the gap to two points late in the third.
Sara Okeke was awarded the tournament MVP honor and led the way for Spain in the Final with a best of 23 points along with 7 rebounds and 3 steals.
The center was joined in the All-Star Five lineup by teammate Gina Garcia, as well as Finland's Anna Gardziella, France's Alicia Tournebize and Jada Lynch of Belgium.
Earlier, France had secured their place on the podium for the fifth straight edition as they eased to a 72-47 success over Belgium. Tournebize helped turn on the style with a two-handed throwdown en route to the emphatic win.
In Division B - in Alytus and Vilnius, Lithuania - there was joy for Sweden as they defeated Germany in the Final with both teams joined by Croatia in earning promotion, while Greece, Portugal and Israel were relegated from Division A.
Final Standings
Spain
Finland
France
Belgium
Poland
Italy
Serbia
Montenegro
Hungary
Latvia
Czechia
Slovenia
Türkiye
Greece
Portugal
Israel
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