Spain beats Lithuania for EuroBasket gold, Pau Gasol named MVP

Spain defeated Lithuania in Sunday’s EuroBasket gold medal game and Bulls forward Pau Gasol took home MVP honors.

Spain defeated Lithuania in Sunday’s EuroBasket gold medal game and Bulls forward Pau Gasol took home MVP honors. 

“I think it has special meaning and significance for sure,” Gasol told reporters, according to the tournament’s website. “To be able to play at this level at this point in my career, after all I've accomplished and this team has accomplished, it's something I'll always be proud of.”

Gasol had 25 points and 12 rebounds in Spain’s 80–63 win over the Lithuanians in Lille, France. A European-record crowd of 27,372 watched the game at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, a soccer stadium.

Spain has now won three EuroBasket titles. This year’s victory earned the team a spot in the 2016 Olympic tournament, which Gasol says he will participate in. 

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- Dan Gartland