Spain regains European hoops title
LILLE, France — Pau Gasol had a double-double and Spain cruised past Lithuania 80-63 Sunday to regain the European basketball championship title.
Spain earned its third title in the last four tournaments, having also won in 2009 and 2011. Spain had to settle for bronze two years ago, when Lithuania lost the final against France. France had pulled away in the third quarter to beat Serbia 81-68 for the bronze medal. Spain opened a 13-point lead in the first quarter and was never really threatened. Lithuania never led in the one-sided final. Gasol finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three blocked shots, one steal and no turnovers.