FC Barcelona and Gran Canaria will play the big final of the U-18 spanish final round championship, held these days in Lanzarote. Both teams qualifyied after winning yesterday in the semifinals. Also Gran Canaria U-18 female team made the final of the same tournament. Great news for them. In the first semifinal FC Barcelona beat Unicaja Malaga (64-59) with international Angel Aparicio ('92) nailing 15 points, grabbing 6 boards and putting 2 blocks. The hungarian center Norbert Timko ('92) didn't waste his time (10+7 in 17'), while guard Carles Marzo ('92) added 9 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals. For Unicaja guard Jose Pozas ('92) shined again with 22 points and 3 steals. His teammate Malick Fall ('92), one of the important pieces of spanish NT, poured 13 points with 5 rebounds and 1 block.
In the other semifinal Gran Canaria beat Asefa Estudiantes (73-70). Jonay Cazorla ('92) made a double-double (18 points and 10 rebounds) and african center By Konate ('93) also: 13+11. Guard Christian Díaz ('92) showed once more that he is capable to play with NT after scoring 18 points. Estudiantes, the team that is showing the most attractive basketball in Lanzarote, couldn't reach the final even the good job of guard Álvaro Lobo ('92), with 15 points and 4 rebounds, and brazilian Lucas Riva ('92), with 5 points, 13 rebounds and 2 blocks. Jaime Fernández ('93) struggled: 11 with 5/15 FG and 4 turnovers.
In the games fighting from 5th to 8th final positions Unelco Tenerife beat European College Majadahonda (55-53) with african Mansour Sow ('92) leading the winners: 11 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals. Also african 2.05 Karl Niamamoukoko ('92) was the best at the other side with 12 points, 8 boards and 2 blocks. Cajasol Sevilla (they played last NIJT in Paris) beat DKV Joventut (82-87) with guard Pablo Villarejo ('92) nailing 20 with 5/11 from downtown. For DKV shined Joan Tomas ('92) with 15 and 9 rebounds.
Finally, in the games fighting from 9th to 12th final positions, Valladolid beat Lugo (55-67) even the amazing game of youngster Placide Nakidjim ('94): 25 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks for a 38 valoration. The best at winners side was guard Pablo Esteban ('93) with 19 and 3 steals. Valencia did the same with Easo (51-71) due to a good job of forward Francisco Blanco ('92): 17 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists. For Easo Manex Eizmendi ('92) nailed 13 with 5/9 FG.
Photo: CB Grubati (is FC Barcelona center Jordi Mas)
