Latvia Secures Historic Championship
The final showdown of the FIBA U16 EuroBasket unfolded in a tightly contested battle between Latvia and France, ending with a 75-69 victory for the Baltic side. The win marked Latvia’s first ever title in the competition, a milestone that resonated across the basketball community.
At the heart of the triumph was forward Benjamin Berrouet, who finished with 22 points, 13 rebounds and a series of defensive stops that helped seal the win. His averages of 23.6 points, 15 rebounds and 3.6 blocks throughout the tournament earned him the Most Valuable Player award.
Berrouet’s MVP Performance
Latvia’s third quarter proved decisive, as they outscored France 24-11 and built a lead that stretched to the buzzer. The surge was fueled by a balanced attack that saw multiple players contribute in double figures.
All‑Star Five and Other Highlights
The tournament’s All‑Star Five was rounded out by Markuss Jahovics, Messie‑Guethan Iwani, Danielius Jasikevicius and Rhys Robinson, each of whom played key roles in the team’s historic run.
Spain’s Bronze Medal Comeback
In the bronze‑medal game, Spain rallied from a late deficit to defeat Lithuania 96-93, underscoring the competitiveness of the field and providing a dramatic finish to the event.
Triple‑Double Milestone
Israel’s Maor Sela also made history, recording the seventh triple‑double of the tournament with 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, a feat that highlighted the depth of talent on display.
Relegation and Promotion Implications
The competition’s aftermath brought significant movement in the rankings, with Belgium, Slovenia and Georgia relegated while Croatia, Iceland and Estonia earned promotion to the top‑flight Division B tournament for 2026.