Yesterday FC Barcelona proclaimed champion of the XVI U-18 International Tournament of Tenerife (Spain) after beating Union Olimpija Ljubljana (66-54) in the final. Joan Creus jr. ('92), son of former spanish player, was named the MVP of the final after collecting 16 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds. The first quarter was balanced and both teams played a wise basketball. Equality extended during the second quarter. In the third quarter more of the same, but with five minutes remaining FC Barcelona began to stand out with eight points, supported by four failed attacks of Olimpija. And that was the key to victory: a string of slovenian failures and catalan success in their respective attacks. Point-guard Jan Span ('92), who was named MVP of the tournament, finished with 10 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds.

Real Madrid finished third after winning Lagun Aro Easo (66-58). 2.09 center Victor Arteaga ('92) led the winners with 23 points. Golden boy -in Kaunas- Mikel Motos ('93) scored 15 for Easo.

The fifth final spot was for San Isidro, after beating Canarias Basketball Academy 51-49. Diatta Diop ('92), with 14 points, and Aaron Geramipoor ('92), with 15, the best scorers of both teams.

Finally Unelco beat Ciudad de Telde in the game to avoid the last position (74-48). Forward Jorge Persio ('92) scored 15 points for Unelco. The best pospect of the losers, point-guard Pablo Grimón ('92) with 11.

In the contests spanish Carles Gasque ('93), from FC Barcelona, won the in three pointers and english Timi Tinubu ('92), from Canarias Basketball Academy, in dunks.  

Pedro Fariña ('92), from Unelco, finished as the best scorer. His teammate Mamadou Dieye ('93), the best rebounder.

 

Photo: Unelco