After two days Italy has shown its credentials in the U-18 Vilagarcia Cup, held in Spain. Team coached by Stefano Bizzozi is the new champion after adding today its second win beating Germany (53-72) behind another show of guard Amedeo Della Valle ('93) -at the pic-, helped by youngster Francesco Candussi ('94). They are the only unbeaten squad. In the other contest of the day Spain recovered from yesterday loss winning France (75-72). Five players scored in double-digits for spaniards. Let's check what happened en each one.

 

-Germany 53 Italy 72: Monferrato prospect Amedeo Della Valle shined again leading Italy to its second victory with 21 points (5/8 from downtown) and 3 rebounds, but youngster Francesco Candussi ended as the MVP of the game with 16 points (7/11 FG), 9 boards and 3 blocks in only 22 minutes. At the losing effort power-forward Johannes Richter ('93) was the best scorer again with 12 points, 9 boards and 1 assist. Forward Paul Zipser ('94) also made a good job with 11 points (3/6 FG) and 3 rebounds, while Paul Albrecht ('93) added 10 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. Germany struggled at three points line (1/14), making 19 turnovers. Too much.   

 

-Spain 75 France 72: Lot of people thought France were the main favorite, but at the moment they don't know what is a victory. Today they lost against hosts, where Real Madrid power-forward Julen Olaizola nailed 13 points, with 6 rebounds and 1 block. But he wasn't alone because four players more scored in double digits: Alex Suárez ('93) 11 points (5/8 FG), Mikel Motos ('93) 11 in 20', Daniel Diez ('93) 10 and 5 boards and Alex Abrines ('93) 10 and 4 boards. Olaizola-Motos-Suárez-Diez won the golden medal in the U-16 EC of 2009. At the other side point-guard Ulysse Adjagba ('93) wasn't enough even he scored 19 points with 2/4 threes and 3 steals, while youngster Mouhammadou Jaiteh ('94) added a double-double (14 points and 12 boards) and Hugo Invernizzi ('93) nailed 13 with 3/8 from downtown. All three prospects play in INSEP.       

 

-Standings: Italy (2-0), Germany and Spain (1-1) and France (0-2).

 

Photo: Ciamillo-Castoria/Legaduebasket