JERUSALEM, July 21 -- Host Israel won the FIBA U-20, European basketball championship on Sunday, for the second time in a row, after beating Spain 92-84 in the coastal city of Tel Aviv.

Israel, which won the tournament last year in Germany, started with an 18-10 lead, thanks to points and assists by point guard Yam Madar.

The Spaniards did not give up, and immediately returned with 10 consecutive points.

The close game continued with 24-24 tie at the end of the first quarter and 42-42 at halftime. Strong last minutes of the third quarter gave the host team a significant lead 66-59, which was not dropped until the final buzzer.

Israeli star Deni Avdija, the tournament's MVP, scored 23 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists, while Madar contributed 17 points and 7 assists. Miguel Gonzalez was Spain's leading scorer with 14 points.

Earlier on Sunday, Germany finished third after beating France 73-65. Germany's Philipp Herkenhoff had 20 points and 8 rebounds.

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