U20 European Championships: Spain and Germany in final

Lithuania and Spain have emerged from the pack and will contest the final of the U20 European Championships on Sunday. The two nations claimed victories in their semifinals in Helsinki and will be chasing gold in the showpiece game in 24 hours.

We know the U20 European Championships will have a new title holder as reigning champs Serbia have already been eliminated. Spain will be hunting its second title and first since 2011. Lithuania will be after its third championship after winning previously 2012 and 1996.

Indeed, some may remember the 1996 final as the last time Spain and Lithuania clashed in the title game, but Spain will be hoping for a different outcome this time.

Turkey vs. Lithuania, 64-68

Turkey looked the most likely team to claim victory after a blazing first quarter which handed the team a 24-16 lead. Lithuania tightened in the second frame, allowing just 9 points while scoring 14 points. Through the long break the scoreboard read 33-30 to the Turks. The leaders extended their advantage with an 18-17 third act that made it 51-47 through thirty minutes, but the Lithuanians went big with a 13-21 final stanza to shock the Turkish and take the win.

Martynas Sajus and Tautvydas Paliukenas scored 17 points apiece to pace Lithuania.

Tolga Gecim grabbed a game high 23 points for Turkey.

Spain vs. Germany, 61-52

Spain had too much for a Germany team that has impressed this week. Despite that, the Spanish will be playing for the U20 European Championship gold tomorrow. A 15-18 first quarter gave the Germans something to protect, but after a low scoring second act (13-11) Spain had made it a one point game through halftime. The score was 28-29 in Germany’s favour. The Germans reversed the second quarter with an 11-13 third to extend to 39-42 through thirty minutes, but Spain found their scoring touch with 22 points the fourth to seal a win as Germany only hit 10 points.

Francisco Alonso led the winners with 22 points, while Santiago Yusta added 11 points.

Andreas Obst topped a struggling German offence with 11 points.