16 September 2007

J.R. Holden's jumper with 2.1 seconds left secured Russia their first-ever EuroBasket title with a thrilling 60-59 victory over reigning world champions and hosts Spain.

Pau Gasol had a chance to win the game at the buzzer but his mid-range jumpshot went in and out, leaving Spain to collect their sixth European silver medal.

18 September 2007

Russian first-deputy prime minister Sergei Ivanov has paid tribute to the Russian basketball team following their remarkable last-gasp victory over hosts Spain in the final of the European Championships on Sunday.

Ivanov, considered a possible successor to president Vladimir Putin, welcomed the players to the Russian Government House in Moscow.

18 September 2007

In David Blatt's country of birth a call from the President is traditional after a big win with either club or country, but the American-born Blatt is still waiting for a call from Russia's president after his team's stunning win over Spain Sunday night.

Blatt's Russia team claimed the European crown by edging out the world champions 60-59 when NBA All-Star Pau Gasol missed a chance to snatch victory at the death.

18 September 2007

Spain coach Pepu Hernandez will continue to lead the team through next year's Olympic Games, the Spanish Basketball Federation has confirmed.

EuroBasket hosts and favourites Spain were upset by Russia in the gold medal game on Sunday night and Hernandez said he was unsure if he would be allowed to remain in charge.

16 September 2007

The two last champions of Europe from 2003 and 2005 met on Sunday evening in Palacio de Deportes in Madrid and when the smoke cleared Lithuania beat Greece 78-69.

Lithuania hit two birds with one stone.

16 September 2007

Tony Parker intends to keep playing for France’s national team despite their EuroBasket failure in Madrid.

The NBA Finals MVP had 31 points on Sunday but it wasn’t enough to lead the French past Slovenia, who won 88-74  to finish in seventh place and claim the final berth on offer to European sides for next year’s pre-Olympic qualifying tournament.

16 September 2007

Germany finished their EuroBasket 2007 performance with an 80-71 win over Croatia in the 5-6 classification game.

Croatia tried to ride the wave of their good performance last night, and led for almost 30 minutes, but once Germany took over the game went in one direction.

16 September 2007

Slovenia drained seven three-pointers during a 24-6 run to start the fourth quarter in knocking off France 88-74 to clinch seventh place at the 2007 EuroBasket as well as a berth in next summer's pre-Olympic tournament.

Jaka Lakovic hit three long bombs in the big stretch on his way to 26 points, six rebounds and seven assists.

16 September 2007

When Russia take on Spain in Sunday's EuroBasket final, European basketball will witness a true David (Blatt) and Goliath showdown.

Russia's aim before this year's EuroBasket was to qualify for the Olympics.

16 September 2007

Not only is the bronze medal up for grabs in the 2007 EuroBasket third place game between 2003 champions Lithuania and 2005 title-holders Greece but the winners also will clinch a spot in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

So, there is plenty of motivation for both teams to bounce back from tough losses in the semi-finals.