Spain knocks down the host and takes the lead in the group towards the round of 16

The Spanish men’s team takes the lead in group D heading to the round of 16 of the Eurobasket under-18. The team led by Víctor García won again on the second day of the group stage, this time against the host, Italyby 68-61. Gerard Fernandez (17) and Chiek Diallo (15) once again led the performance of a Spanish team that maintains its objective of defending continental gold intact. Hugo Alonso He also stood out with 10 rebounds and 7 assists.

As already happened in the debut against Estonia, Spain It was difficult for him to get into the game. Two consecutive triples Italy In the early stages they gave the host team the initiative, while the Spanish team found it difficult to impose their rhythm. The reaction came in the second quarter thanks to Chiek’s interior dominance Diallowho linked six practically consecutive points to turn the score around and closed the game again with a double-double (15 points and 10 rebounds).

From there, Spain grew up on both sides of the track. Saba’s talent Merebashvilitogether with Italy’s offensive jam, allowed Víctor García’s men to open a significant difference before the break, which they reached with a lead of ten points (36-26). Hugo Alonso He once again stood out in the direction of the game.

After passing through the locker room, Italy He tried to react hand in hand with Federico Bottelliwhich he added from the free throw line to close the gap. However, Gerard Fernandez responded correctly to stop any attempt at a comeback by the host team and maintain control of the match.

Italy They pushed in the last quarter, but their percentages were not the best. The team led by Marco Sodini He tried until the end, but a triple Fernandez sealed the victory until the final 68-61, bringing the ticket closer to the round of 16 as leader of their group in the absence of completing the group stage this Monday against Latvia (8:30 p.m.).