By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
The 2019 FIBA U20 European Championship concluded on Sunday with Israel defeating Spain, 92-84, in the Final played at the Shlomo Group Arena. The Israelis hosted the tournament and secured gold medals for the second straight year following their 2018 triumph in Chemnitz, Germany.
Yam Madar powered up in the decisive part of the match to end up with 17 points with 7/11 from the field, also dished 8 helpers. Fellow upstart Deni Avdija, 18, scored a game-high 23 points, added 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks and 1 steal to his tally in the Final.
The hosts came out hot in both the first and the second half, but the Spaniards only answered once tying the game at 42 points apiece by halftime. The second half belonged to Ariel Beit-Halahmy’s players.
Miguel Gonzalez poured a team-high 14 points, while Arnau Parrado Calabria and Josep Puerto followed with 13 each and Carlos Alocen notched 10 points, 11 assists, 7 boards and 5 steals. Spain, however, settled for silver for the sixth time earning its 15th medal in FIBA U20 European Championships.
Final Standings of 2019 FIBA U20 European Championship:
1. Israel
2. Spain
3. Germany
4. France
5. Lithuania
6. Turkey
7. Croatia
8. Great Britain
9. Greece
10. Ukraine
11. Montenegro
12. Slovenia
13. Italy
14. Poland
15. Serbia
16. Latvia
– Poland, Serbia and Latvia were relegated to Division B, will be replaced by Portugal, Czech Republic and Belgium in 2020 FIBA U20 European Championship.