Yesterday in Podgorica, Montenegro, Spain got by a plucky and gritty Lithuanian team, 69-61 to capture the U20 European crown, completing their undeated , 7-0, run through the competition.
Movistar Estudiantes’ Ruben Dominguez scored a game-high 17 points, while FC Barcelona’s Michael Caicedo added 13. Tournament MVP ,Real Madrid’s Juan Nunez contributed 11 points.
The young Spanish squad built an early14-point lead but Lithuania battled back. The Spaniards made timely plays down the stretch, including an acrobatic basket from Miguel Allen, who ended the day with 6 points, 4 boards, 1 block, 1 steal and 1 assists, that helped to seal the deal.
For Lithuania, who ended the tournament at 4-3, were lead by Mantas Rubstavicius, who put in 15 points. The 20-year-old shooting guard, who plays for Kauno Zalgiris-2 , was also named to the All-Star Five.
Final standings:
1. Spain
2. Lithuania
3. Montenegro
4. Israel
5. France
6. Turkey
7. Croatian
8. Belgium
9. Italy
10. Slovenia
11. Germany
12. Greece
13. Poland
14. Portugal (relegated to Division B)
15. Czech Republic (relegated to Division B)
16. Ukraine (relegated to Division B)
Ranking first through third in Division B, Serbia, Iceland, and Estonia were promoted to Division A.
