Lietuvos Rytas is the second team to qualify for the final round of the Euroleague U18 NIJT in Istanbul (Turkey) after winning the Ciutat de l'Hospitalet tournament, in Spain. Lithuanians, coached by former player Darius Maskoliounas, beat FC Barcelona Regal in the big final (68-72). Augustinas Jankaitis ('94) -at the pic- was named the MVP of the event after averaging 16.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 16.0 ranking. The 6'7'' power-forward was the best scorer against catalan squad (21 with 10/17 FG), helped by guard Tomas Galeckas ('94), with 16 and 6 boards and forward Denis Krestinin ('94), with 4 points and 16 rebounds. In the losing effort swedish youngster Ludvig Hakanson ('96) finished with 15 and 3/5 threes, while Alexandr Zhigulin ('94), from Kazahkstan, added a double-double (15+10).
Fiatc Joventut was third after beating Cajasol Sevilla (84-75). Albert Homs ('94) led the victory with 21 points (3/7 threes) and 4 rebounds, while at the other side Ali Sinera ('94) wasn't enough: 22 points, 14 rebounds and 1 block.
And fifth? Cedevita defeated Real Madrid (52-65) behind a good job of guard Jakov Mustapic ('94): 15 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists. For spanish team Willy Hernangómez ('94) scored 20 points and pulled down 5 rebounds.
Finally KK Spars Sarajevo were seventh with a final win against Hospitalet (65-74). Nedim Buza ('95), with 17 and 6 rebounds, and Doko Salic ('95), with a 16+7, too much for hosts.
All-Tournament Team:
Alexandr Zhigulin ('94, Barcelona): 19.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 17.4 ranking.
Josep Pérez ('94, Barcelona): 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 16.0 ranking.
Albert Homs ('94, Joventut): 16.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 15.0 ranking.
Edvinas Seskus ('95, Lietuvos): 8.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 9.8 ranking.
Doko Salic ('95, Spars): 17.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 21.3 ranking.
Most Talented Player:
Nedim Buza ('95, Spars): 12.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 13.0 ranking.
Best Defensive Player:
Denis Krestinin ('95, Lietuvos): 8.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 14.4 ranking.
Best Coach:
Paco Redondo (Fiatc Joventut)
Photo: Euroleague
