Croatia Wins FIBA U16 European Championship 2018

 The Croatian team prevailed over Spain over the weekend 71-70 to celebrate the FIBA U16 European Championship 2018 in Novi Sad, Serbia. These Young Guns left it all on the line on August 18th. It was a game for the ages and both squads showed all the fans in attendance that the future of basketball in their respective countries are in very good hands.

Croatia controlled the early part of the game thanks to their aggressive play and set up a 37-29 lead at halftime. The young Spaniards would remain unfazed. With their composure intact, Spain fought back and seized the advantage coming out ahead as both teams headed into the final quarter.

Croatia’s Boris Timsa was unstoppable. He finished with a game-high 24 points. Roko Prkcacin was a beast in the paint for his team. He ended up with an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double and was responsible for lifting Croatia to victory with a strong play in the paint with three seconds left in regulation.

To their credit, Spain fought valiantly, up to the bitter end. Hector Alderete paced them with a team-high 17 points. Usman Garuba was an absolute monster on the glass. He anchored their play in the paint and busted out with 16 points and 18 rebounds.

Here is the full game replay:

Turkey crushed France 82-59 to capture the bronze. It was a triumphant return to the podium after a one-year absence.

These players may be young but they are not lacking in talent, hunger, nor love for the game.