Spain repeats as EuroBasket champ
By Ryan Wolstat, QMI Agency
|
  
|
  Rudy Fernandez (left) and tournament MVP Juan Carlos Navarro of Spain celebrate after defeating France in the FIBA EuroBasket final.(Reuters) |
Spain repeated as European champion on Sunday, serving notice that the Americans will have some significant competition at next year's Olympics in London.
Former NBAer Juan Carlos Navarro scored 27 points and took home the EuroBasket MVP award in the process, leading Spain to a 98-85 victory over France.
France and its own roster littered with NBA talent also qualified for the Olympics.
Los Angeles Lakers all-star Pau Gasol added 17 points and 10 rebounds and also deserved MVP consideration for his performance over the past two weeks.
Spain is the first repeat champion since Yugoslavia in 1997.
No other team could contend with its front-line which also featured elite NBA centres Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka, who had five blocks.
Raptors point guard Jose Calderon saved his best performance for last, scoring 17 points.
Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs completed an excellent tournament of his own with 26 points.
