Spain scoring leader Gasol misses gold medal contest

SAITAMA, Japan – Pau Gasol, Spain’s leading scorer and rebounder, has a partial fracture in his left foot and was not available to play in the FIBA world championships gold medal game against Greece early this morning, according to team officials.

In a release on the team’s Web site Saturday night, Gasol, who was injured in the final minutes of the semifinal victory over Argentina, has “a partial fracture to the base of the fifth metatarsal in his left foot, so he will be unavailable” for the championship game.

The 7-foot Gasol, who plays for the Memphis Grizzlies, hurt his left foot when he was fouled with 1:36 remaining in the 75-74 victory over Argentina. He made the two free throws to give Spain a 73-67 lead, then left for the bench.

After the win that guaranteed Spain its first medal in a world championships, Gasol had to be carried from the court by two teammates, including his younger brother, Marc.

Gasol, who had 19 points and 11 rebounds against Argentina, is averaging 21.3 points and 9.4 rebounds for the tournament. He did not attend the team’s practice Saturday night.

Greece advanced with a 101-95 victory over the United States in the semifinals.