By Marti Artigas

 

Spain is the current U18 European Championship, and also won the Albert Schweitzer tournament this April in Mannheim. But team coached by Jesus Sala will have a tough job next days in a new edition of the Division "A" EC. This week-end they faced Croatia in a couple of friendly games, the last before their trip to Vilnius (Lithuania), and Dario Saric ('94) texted them a message. The forward led his team to the victory twice in the contests held in his country. Mario Hezonja ('95) won't play with its NT in the tournament. 

 

In the first one he became unstoppable (69-67). Scored 27 points (10/13 twos, 1/2 threes and 4/4 free throws), adding 3 rebounds and 3 assists. But also shined "american" Mislav Brzoja ('94), who had 16 (5/7 twos and 2/5 threes). For Spain Willy Hernangómez ('94), from Real Madrid, wasn't enough even he ended with 15 points (6/7 twos and 3/6 free throws) and 6 boards. Albert Homs ('94) added 13 points (3/6 twos, 2/4 threes and 1/4 free throws).

 

In the second battle Croatia crashed its opponent with a clear 91-65 score. In this case Dominik Mavra ('94) finished as their best offense player with 22 points (4/7 twos, 4/6 threes and 2/4 free throws), pulling down 3 rebounds. Jakov Mustapic ('94) had 19 (6/7 twos, 1/2 threes and 4/6 free throws), while Saric nailed 16 (7/11 twos and 2/3 free throws). At the losing effort Homs scored 16 (3/5 twos, 1/3 threes and 7/7 free throws) and Sebas Saiz ('94) had 11 (5/10 FG) and 3 boards.

 

In the EC starting tomorrow Croatia will be in group D with Poland, Slovenia and Russia, while Spain will be in the A with Germany, Ukraine and Serbia.

 

Twitter of the author: @marti_artigas

 

Photo: Goran Stanzl/PIXSELL