Spain wins second straight Euro title
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China.org.cn, September 19, 2011
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Spain's players celebrate victory during the Eurobasket final against France in Kaunas, Lithuania, Sunday, Sept.18, 2011. |
Juan Carlos Navarro has led Spain to back to back EuroBasket titles, hitting 27 points on a night when four of his team mates would join him in double figures as they knocked over France 98-85.
Spain become the first nation since 1997 to successfully defend the trophy. Russia beat Macedonia 72-68 in the third place playoff.
Gasol chipped in with a double-double, adding 17 points and 10 rebounds for Spain. Forward Serge Ibaka from Oklahoma City had five blocks in a five-minute span in the second quarter when Spain built a 10-point lead that it never relinquished.
Parker scored 26 points for France but the San Antonio Spurs’ star got little help and could not bring his team its first continental title. France came within six points in the third period but a 7-0 run keyed by a 3-pointer from Navarro restored Spain’s double-digit lead.
Both teams qualified for next year’s London Olympics by reaching the final.
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