Greece is the sensation in Ragusa (Italy). After two days of the U-16 Pasqua Barocca Tournament greeks added their second win, in this case after beating Italy 73-77. Guard Michalis Liapis ('95) led the victory with 20 points (4/8 from downtown) and 6 steals, helped by youngster Dimitrios Stamatis ('96) with 17 (3/5 threes) and 4 boards. In a tied contest the points behind the arc (9/19) were one of the keys of the win. At the losing effort Nicola Akele ('95) nailed 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals, and Lorenzo Benvenuti ('95) added 13 with 6 rebounds and 2 assists.     

 

Second day and first win for Spain, recovering from its bad opener. Spaniards beat Germany (76-67) behind Real Madrid prospects Javier de la Blanca ('95) and Alberto Martin ('95). The power-forward had 18 points (8/10 FG), 7 rebounds and 2 steals, while the point-guard also nailed 18, with 4/9 from downtown and 3 rebounds. But they weren't alone. DKV Joventut guard Agustí Sans ('95) added 13 with 3 assists and 3 steals. Germans started great from three points line, but at the second half recovered. Especially in the last quarter (25-11). Who shined for them? Ismet Akpinar ('95) scored 13 points with 2/4 threes and 2 steals, while Stefan Ilzhofer ('95) added 13 with 3/5 threes in only 19 minutes.  

 

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