Spain has won its third European Championship after a blistering performance by the talismanic Pau Gasol inspired them to an 80-63 points win over Lithuania in Sunday’s final.
The Chicago Bulls centre, who carried the Spaniards throughout the competition, picked 25 points and racked up 12 rebounds as the 2009 and 2011 winners enjoyed a fifth successive podium finish.
Having clinched automatic berths in 2016 Olympic Games by reaching the final, both sides produced entertaining basketball in Lille’s soccer stadium.
Dynamic playmaker, Sergio Llull, added 12 points, six rebounds and five assists for Spain, while Mantas Kalnietis and Renaldas Seibutis led Lithuania with 13 points each.
