Lithuania - France 68-75 France conquered Gold medals in Samsun. They defeated Lithuania in the championship game tonight. Frank Ntilikina (196-PG-98) posted 31 points to lead the winners. The victory marked the first Gold for Les Bleues since 2006. France dominated in the first half. They recorded a 36:28 halftime lead. Lithuania narrowed the deficit in the third term. The Baltic state pulled within 3 points at the final intermission. But France stayed in charge. They sank 22 points in the fourth quarter and raced to the victory. Sekou Omar Doumbouya (202-F/G-00) provided 15 points and 9 rebounds for the champions. Arnoldas Kulboka (205-SF-98) responded with 28 points for Lithuania. Gytis Masiulis (206-F/C-98) chipped in 12 points in the loss.
3-4 Place
Germany - Italy 68-74 Italy stepped onto the podium in Samsun. They knocked down Germany to capture the third position. Alessandro Lever (202-F/C-98) came up with 18 points and 7 rebounds to lead the Azzurri. Italy accumulated a 36:29 halftime lead. The Azzurri extended the margin at 15-point mark at the final break and never looked back en route to the win. Davide Moretti (188-PG-98) had 17 points for the winners. Isaiah Hartenstein (211-PF-98) responded with 24 points for Germany.
5-6 Place
Spain - Bosnia 77-65 Spain finished fifth in Samsun. They overcame Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final game at the tournament. Ignacio Rosa (204-F/C-99) stepped up with 27 points and 7 rebounds to lead the winners. Spain accumulated a 38:34 halftime lead. They followed with a 24:16 run in the fourth term to ice the win. Sergi Martinez and Aleix Font (192-F/G-98, agency: Octagon Europe) accounted for 14 points apiece for the winners. Darko Talic (198-SF-98) answered with 14 points for Bosnia.
7-8 Place
Russia - Finland 82-67 Grigory Motovilov (193-G-98, agency: Stanislav Ryzhov) scored 21 points to pace Russia past Finland in the final game of the championship. Russia posted a 19:13 lead ten minutes into the game. Finland erased the deficit and pulled ahead for a 32:31 halftime lead. Russia bounced back after the long break. They unloaded 51 points in the second half and raced to the victory. Sergey Klyuev (204-C-98) chipped in 19 points in the win. Edon Maxhuni (186-PG-98) responded with 18 points for Finland.
9-10 Place
Greece - Serbia 74-67 Greece beat Serbia to clinch the 9th position at the championship. Michail Lountzis (196-PG-98) came up with 19 points and 10 boards for the Hellenes. Serbia recorded a 43:36 halftime advantage. But Greece stiffened defensively in the second half. They limited Serbia to just 24 points after the big break and marched to the victory. Dimitrios Moraitis (194-PG-99) chipped in 18 points in the win. Novak Music (188-PG-98, agency: BeoBasket) answered with 17 points and 6 assists for Serbia.
11-12 Place
Slovenia - Turkey 71-63 Slovenia topped Turkey to claim the 11th position at the championship. Matic Vesel (204-F-98) scored 14 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the visitors. Slovenia used a 16:8 run in the second term to take a 33:26 halftime lead. Slovenia boosted the gap at 10-point mark at the final intermission and never looked back en route to the win. Gaber Ozegovic (196-F-98) had 14 points for the winners. Yigitcan Saybir (201-F-99) and Eray Akyuz (187-G-00) responded with 14 points each for Turkey.
13-14 Place
Latvia - Croatia 90-76 Latvia rescued their Division A place. They cruised past Croatia to avoid relegation. Roberts Blumbergs (204-F/C-97) produced 23 points and 13 rebounds to lead the winners. Croatia jumped to a 25:22 lead after ten minutes. But Latvia responded with a 49:26 run in the next two periods to spur ahead. Croatia drained 25 points in the final term but could avoid the defeat. Arturs Strautins (198-SF-98) accounted for 19 points and 10 boards for the winners. Leo Cizmic (206-F-98, agency: Octagon Europe) answered with 18 points for Croatia.
15-16 Place
Sweden - Israel 66-90 Israel capped their championship campaign with victory. They topped Sweden to earn the 15th position. Miron Ruina (202-C-98) came up with 23 points and 9 boards for the winners. Israel claimed a 41:39 halftime lead. They sank 24 points in the third term to boost the gap at 10-point mark. Israel followed with a 25:11 run in the fourth quarter and rallied to the win. Yovel Zoosman (199-G/F-98) and Yonatan Rabinowitz (185-PG-98) chipped in 13 points each in the victory. Alan Zekovic (195-F/G-98) answered with 16 points for Sweden.
France and Lithuania to clash for title in Samsun - Dec 21, 2016
SEMIFINALS
Italy - France 72-82 France outgunned Italy to advance into Final. Frank Ntilikina (196-PG-98) posted 23 points and 9 assists to lead les Bleues. Italy eked out a 19:18 lead after ten minutes. France unloaded 28 points in the second frame to take a 46:31 halftime lead. The Azzurri pulled within 8 points at the final intermission. But France dropped 26 points in the fourth quarter and iced the win. Bathiste Tchouaffe (195-SG-98) had 16 points for the winners. Alessandro Lever (202-F/C-98) responded with 25 points for Italy.
Germany - Lithuania 62-69 Lithuania fired past Germany to advance into the title game in Turkey. Arnoldas Kulboka (205-SF-98) came up with 24 points and 9 boards to lead the Baltic state. Lithuania eked out a 31:30 halftime lead. They extended the margin at 6-point mark at the final intermission. Lithuania protected the advantage throughout the fourth term and raced to the victory. Arnas Velicka (192-PG-99) tossed in 18 points, issued 6 assists and grabbed 5 rebounds for the winners. Kostja Mushidi (195-G/F-98, agency: BeoBasket) responded with 33 points and 8 boards for Germany.
5-8 Place
Finland - Bosnia 72-95 Bosnia and Herzegovina cruised past Finland in the classification round. Dzanan Musa (204-SG-99, agency: BeoBasket) stepped up with 28 points and 7 assists for the winners. Bosnia piled up a comfortable 45:31 halftime lead. Bosnia dropped 28 points in the fourth quarter and cruised to the win. Amar Gegic (200-PG-98) tossed in 16 points for Bosnia. Edon Maxhuni (186-PG-98) responded with 18 points for Finland.
Spain - Russia 70-55 Spain rallied past Russia in the classification round clash today. Sergi Martinez (201-PF-99) came up with 24 points and 14 rebounds to pace the winners. Spain established a 44:33 halftime lead. Spain held their opponents to just 22 points in the second half and raced to the win. Aleix Font (192-F/G-98, agency: Octagon Europe) accounted for 13 points and 10 boards in the victory. Andrei Lopatin (206-SF-98) responded with 13 points for Russia.
9-12 Place
Greece - Slovenia 70-68 Greece will play for the ninth overall position in the championship. They beat Slovenia in the classification round clash tonight. Georgios Kalaitzakis (198-PG-99) scored 13 points for the winners. Greece jumped to a 20:9 lead after ten minutes. Slovenia erased the deficit in the next two quarters. The teams entered the fourth stanza tied at 52. Greece sank 18 points in the final term and managed to get away with a narrow win. Dimitrios Moraitis (194-PG-99) accounted for 12 points for the Hellenes. Gaber Ozegovic (196-F-98) answered with 17 points and 10 rebounds for Slovenia.
Turkey - Serbia 58-73 Serbia upset hosting Turkey in the classification round clash in Samsun. Stefan Momirov (192-G-99) topscored with 15 points for Serbia. They jumped to a 36:26 halftime lead. Serbia boosted the lead at 16-point mark at the final break and never looked back en route to the win. Aleksa Radanov (202-SF-98) had 12 points and 8 boards for the winners. Turkey answered with 20 points from Ragip Atar (210-C-99).
13-16 Place
Croatia - Israel 87-84 Croatia topped Israel in the crucial clash in the relegation round. Josip Barnjak (190-G/F-98) came up with 20 points for the winners. Croatia sank 29 points in the second term to open an 8-point lead. Israel pulled within three points at the final intermission. But Croatia held their ground in the fourth term and raced to a vital win. Leo Cizmic (206-F-98, agency: Octagon Europe) and Pavao Pajic (203-F/C-98, agency: XL Basketball Agency) delivered 11 points each for the winners. Miron Ruina (202-C-98), Michael Brisker (183-SG-98) and Yonatan Rabinowitz (185-PG-98) answered with 14 points each for Israel.
Sweden - Latvia 82-91 Latvia rallied past Sweden and stepped closer to rescuing their Division A spot. Roberts Blumbergs (204-F/C-97) scored 25 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the winners. Latvia eked out a 47:46 halftime lead. They followed with a 24:16 run in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Arturs Strautins (198-SF-98) accounted for 17 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists for the winners. Felix Lemetti (182-PG-99) responded with 25 points for Sweden as they got relegated.
France, Italy, Lithuania and Germany earn semifinal birth - Dec 20, 2016
Quarterfinals
France - Bosnia 75-61 France eased past Bosnia and Herzegovina into the semifinal stage in Samsun. Sekou Omar Doumbouya (202-F/G-00) nailed 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as Les Bleues recorded the fourth straight win at the tournament. France established a 33:29 halftime lead. They extended the lead at 5-point mark at the final break. France sank 25 points in the fourth quarter and raced to the victory. Frank Ntilikina (196-PG-98) tossed in 15 points in the win. Dzanan Musa (204-SG-99, agency: BeoBasket) responded with 19 points and 7 rebounds for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Italy - Finland 61-56 Italy held off Finland to reach the semifinal stage. Davide Moretti (188-PG-98) produced 14 points for the Azzurri. Italy and Finland were tied at 27 heading into the second half. Italy ignited a 21:13 run in the third quarter to take an 8-point lead at the final break. Finland narrowed the deficit in the fourth stanza but could not avoid the loss. Lorenzo Penna (176-PG-98) accounted for 11 points for the winners. Edon Maxhuni (186-PG-98) responded with 20 points and 7 rebounds for Finland.
Lithuania - Russia 82-81 Lithuania nipped Russia in the quarterfinal battle today. Arnas Velicka (192-PG-99) drained a buzzer-beating three-pointer to propel the Baltic team to the win. Lithuania recorded a 38:32 halftime advantage. They extended the margin at 12-point mark heading into the fourth quarter. However Russia erased the deficit and grabbed an 81:79 lead late in regulation. But Arnas Velicka came up with a big shot late in the encounter and propelled Lithuania into the semis. Gytis Masiulis (206-F/C-98) topscored with 23 points and 13 rebounds for Lithuania. Arnas Velicka added 18 points for the winners. Grigory Motovilov (193-G-98, agency: Stanislav Ryzhov) answered with 27 points for Russia.
Germany - Spain 78-74 Germany outgunned Spain en route to the semifinal stage in Samsun. Oscar Da Silva (206-F-98) nailed 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to pace the winners. Spain held their opponents to just 9 points in the first term to take a 6-point lead. But Germany sank 29 points in the second frame to take a 5-point advantage. They protected the lead well throughout the second half and marched to a hard-fought victory. Ferdinand Zylka (190-SG-98, agency: BeoBasket) and Isaiah Hartenstein (211-PF-98) delivered 16 points each for the winners. Aleix Font (192-F/G-98, agency: Octagon Europe) answered with 23 points for Spain.
9-16 Place
Serbia - Israel 69-63 Serbia secured their stay in Division A as they knocked down Israel in the classification round game tonight. Milos Glisic (206-PF-98) provided 20 points and 7 caroms to lead the winners. Serbia grabbed a 17:12 lead after ten minutes. Israel erased the deficit in the second term. The teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 48. However Serbia poured in 21 points in the final period and sealed the crucial win. Aleksa Radanov (202-SF-98) chipped in 16 points for the winners. Yovel Zoosman (199-G/F-98) responded with 14 points and 8 rebounds for Israel.
Croatia - Turkey 69-71 Turkey snatched a narrow win over Croatia in the classification round clash in Samsun. Ragip Atar (210-C-99) tallied 18 points and 14 rebounds to lead the hosts. Turkey rallied to a comfortable 44:27 halftime lead. Croatia narrowed the deficit in the second term. They pulled within striking distance but Turkey hung on to sneak to a vital victory. Yigitcan Saybir (201-F-99) finished with 11 points in the win. Karlo Uljarevic (190-PG-98) answered with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists for Croatia.
Greece - Sweden 80-69 Vasileos Christidis (206-C/F-98, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 20 points and grabbed 8 rebounds as Greece took care of Sweden in the classification round. Sweden jumped to a 19:12 lead after ten minutes. Greece however picked up the tempo in the next quarters. They went for 47 points in the second half and sealed so much needed victory. Dimitrios Moraitis (194-PG-99) had 15 points in the win. Jonatan Arvidsson (182-PG-98) responded with 17 points for Sweden.
Latvia - Slovenia 70-86 Slovenia rallied past Latvia for the first victory in Samsun. Gaber Ozegovic (196-F-98) and Aljaz Bratec (192-PG-98) produced 17 points each to pace the winners. Latvia built a 42:38 halftime lead. But Slovenia used a massive 21:9 run in the third term to surge ahead. They added 27 points in the fourth term to seal the win. David Kralj (190-G-99) accounted for 14 points for Slovenia. Arturs Strautins (198-SF-98) responded with 19 points and 12 rebounds for Latvia.
Quarterfinals are set in Samsun - Dec 19, 2016
Group A
Spain - Italy 62-68 Italy clinched the top position in Group A. They dropped Spain for the third win in a row. Tommaso Oxilia (198-F-98) posted 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Azzurri. Italy recorded a 40:24 halftime lead. Spain narrowed the gap in the second half but could not avoid the loss. Lorenzo Bucarelli (196-G/F-98) provided 10 points in the win. Sergi Martinez (201-PF-99) responded with 19 points and 8 rebounds for Spain.
Sweden - Croatia 77-78 Croatia wrapped up their preliminary campaign with victory. They nipped Sweden for 1-2 record in Group A. Domagoj Saric (193-PG-99) and Pavao Pajic (203-F/C-98, agency: XL Basketball Agency) produced 15 points each for the winners. Sweden eked out a 39:37 halftime lead. They extended the gap at 12-point mark heading into the fourth quarter. But Croatia unloaded 29 points in the final quarter and got away with a narrow victory. Karlo Uljarevic (190-PG-98) and Lovro Buljevic (208-PF-98) provided 13 points each for the winners. Olle Lundqvist (198-G-99) responded with 27 points for Sweden.
Group B
Finland - Greece 71-73 Greece finished their preliminary round campaign with a narrow win over Finland. But it was not enough to reach quarterfinals. Finland secured the playoff birth despite the loss. Michail Lountzis (196-PG-98) provided 19 points for the winners. Greece registered a 42:25 halftime lead. But Finland narrowed the gap in the second half and got away with so much needed result at the end. Dimitrios Moraitis (194-PG-99) had 16 points for the winners. Edon Maxhuni (186-PG-98) scored 18 points for Finland.
Turkey - Germany 70-80 Germany finished on top of Group B. They shocked hosting Turkey tonight to stay undefeated. Isaiah Hartenstein (211-PF-98) stepped up with 19 points and 13 rebounds to lead the winners. Germany jumped to a 23:12 lead after ten minutes. They followed with a 43:36 run in the second half to seal the win. Bennet Hundt (180-PG-98) delivered 12 points for the winners. Ragip Atar (210-C-99) responded with 21 points and 15 rebounds for Turkey.
Group C
Latvia - Bosnia 74-65 Latvia outgunned Bosnia but could not make it into the quarterfinal stage. Arturs Strautins (198-SF-98) and Roberts Blumbergs (204-F/C-97) provided 18 points each for the winners. Latvia jumped to a 29:13 lead after ten minutes. Bosnia denied the deficit in the next two periods. However Latvia ignited a 26:13 run in the fourth term and sealed the win. Dzanan Musa (204-SG-99, agency: BeoBasket) delivered 20 points and 9 rebounds for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Israel - Lithuania 88-94 OT Lithuania recorded the second victory in Samsun. They survived overtime thriller versus Israel to improve at 2-1 record in Group C. Arnoldas Kulboka (205-SF-98) chipped in 25 points and collected 10 rebounds for the Baltic team. Israel eked out a 36:34 halftime lead. They extended the gap at 14-point mark heading into the fourth quarter. But Lithuania ignited a 28:14 run in the next period to force overtime. They dropped 18 points in the extra period and iced the win. Tadas Sedekerskis (203-F/G-98) tallied 17 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Yovel Zoosman (199-G/F-98) responded with 17 points and 17 caroms for Israel as they fell at 0-3 record.
Group D
France - Serbia 71-68 France ensured the third consecutive victory in Turkey. They nipped Serbia to win Group D. Sekou Omar Doumbouya (202-F/G-00) was unstoppable with 31 points for Les Bleues. Serbia secured a 34:29 halftime lead. But France sank 42 points in the second half and rolled to a tough victory at the end. Frank Ntilikina (196-PG-98) and Bathiste Tchouaffe (195-SG-98) had 9 points apiece in the win. Borisa Simanic (209-PF-98) answered with 14 points for Serbia.
Slovenia - Russia 49-81 Russia cruised past Slovenia to gain the second straight win in Samsun. Agasiy Tonoyan (203-F-98) produced 21 points to lead the winners. Slovenia and Russia were tied at 33 at the interval. But Russia used a massive 48:16 run in the second half to ice the victory. Grigory Motovilov (193-G-98, agency: Stanislav Ryzhov) tossed in 17 points and 7 assists for the winners. Gaber Ozegovic (196-F-98), Aljaz Bratec (192-PG-98) and Miha Skedelj (198-SG-99) responded with 10 points each for Slovenia.
Day 2 in Samsun - Dec 17, 2016
Group A
Croatia - Italy 78-84 Italy raced to the second consecutive victory in Group A. They fired past Croatia to stay undefeated. Davide Moretti (188-PG-98) came up with 23 points to lead the effort. Italy used a 21:10 run in the second term to open a 14-point halftime lead. The Azzurri extended the margin at 15 points heading into the fourth term. Croatia sank 29 points in the final quarter but could avoid the defeat. Tommaso Oxilia (198-F-98) had 14 points in the win. Leo Cizmic (206-F-98, agency: Octagon Europe) and Darko Bajo (204-G/F-99, agency: BeoBasket) answered with 14 points each for Croatia.
Sweden - Spain 48-58 Spain celebrated the second straight win in Samsun. They beat Sweden in Group A. Aleix Font (192-F/G-98, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 16 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the winners. Spain established a 32:22 halftime advantage. They held Sweden to just 26 points in the second half and raced to the win. Sergi Martinez (201-PF-99) tossed in 11 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the winners. Jonatan Arvidsson (182-PG-98) and Felix Lemetti (182-PG-99) responded with 15 points each for Sweden.
Group B
Greece - Germany 70-85 Germany kept on winning in Samsun. They held off Greece to improve at 2-0 record in Group B. Six players scored in double digits to pace the winners. Greece accumulated a 39:35 halftime lead. But Germany responded with a 24:9 rally in the fourth stanza and got away with the victory. Nelson Weidemann (190-PG-99) came up with 15 points for Germany. Ferdinand Zylka (190-SG-98, agency: BeoBasket) added 14 points for the winners. Michail Lountzis (196-PG-98) responded with 14 points for Greece.
Finland - Turkey 65-53 Finland bounced back from the starting loss and upset Turkey for 1-1 record in Group B. Edon Maxhuni (186-PG-98) nailed 20 points to lead the winners. Finland dominated in the first half. They established a 38:29 halftime lead. Turkey narrowed the gap at 5-point mark at the final intermission. Finland however limited the hosts to just 8 points in the fourth frame and rallied to the win. Elias Valtonen (197-F-99) had 14 points for the winners. Omer Al (181-PG-98) and Ahmet Duran (205-C-99) responded with 10 points each for Turkey.
Group C
Lithuania - Bosnia 70-79 Bosnia and Herzegovina registered the second straight win in Group C. They rallied past Lithuania behind 17 points and 9 caroms from Dzanan Musa (204-SG-99, agency: BeoBasket). Bosnia established a 38:32 halftime lead. Bosnia then went on a 25:18 run in the fourth quarter and secured the winning outcome. Darko Talic (198-SF-98) accounted for 19 points in the win. Tadas Sedekerskis (203-F/G-98) responded with 25 points and 12 rebounds for Lithuania as they fell at 1-1 record.
Israel - Latvia 70-71 Latvia nipped Israel to open win count at the championship. Arturs Strautins (198-SF-98) scored 24 points and pulled down 12 rebounds for the Baltic team. Latvia secured a 31:26 halftime lead. Israel narrowed the deficit in the second half but Latvia hung on to snatch a vital win. Roberts Blumbergs (204-F/C-97) and Arturs Kurucs (189-SG-00) provided 12 points each in the victory. Michael Moshkovitz (201-F-98) and Miron Ruina (202-C-98) responded with 14 points each for Israel.
Group D
Russia - Serbia 70-43 Russia stormed past Serbia to open win count in Group D. Agasiy Tonoyan (203-F-98) came up with 16 points and 12 rebounds to pace the effort. Russia built a comfortable 35:13 halftime lead. They extended the margin at 33-point mark and never looked back en route to the win. Mikhail Andrianov (198-SG-98) tossed in 15 points and pulled down 10 rebounds for Russia. Novak Music (188-PG-98, agency: BeoBasket) answered with 12 points for Serbia.
Slovenia - France 50-81 France stayed undefeated in Samsun. They cruised past Slovenia for 2-0 record in Group D. Sekou Omar Doumbouya (202-F/G-00) came up with 22 points and 6 rebounds for Les Bleues. France piled up a 43:24 halftime lead. They went on a 38:25 run in the second half and marched to the victory. Elhadji-Digue Diawara (203-F-98) chipped in 13 points in the win. Matej Janezic (207-C/F-98) answered with 9 points for Slovenia.
Day 1 in Samsun - Dec 16, 2016
Group A
Italy - Sweden 75-56 Italy got to the winning start of their campaign in Samsun. They defeated Sweden in Group A. The Azzurri grabbed a 36:33 halftime lead. They extended the margin at 7-point mark heading into the fourth quarter. Italy ignited a 22:10 run in the fourth period and raced to the victory. Davide Moretti (188-PG-98) produced 13 points, while Alessandro Lever (202-F/C-98) and Tommaso Oxilia (198-F-98) tossed in 10 points each for the winners. Olle Lundqvist (198-G-99) responded with 15 points for the Scandinavian team.
Spain - Croatia 74-62 Spain opened win count at the championship. They rallied past Croatia in Group A. Aleix Font (192-F/G-98, agency: Octagon Europe) nailed 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to pace the winners. Spain and Croatia were knotted at 29 at the end of the first half. The teams went neck and neck throughout the third term. Spain and Croatia entered the fourth frame tied at 44. Spain however unloaded 30 points in the fourth term and rallied to the victory. Sergi Martinez (201-PF-99) accounted for 17 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Karlo Uljarevic (190-PG-98) answered with 14 points for Croatia.
Group B
Germany - Finland 92-63 Germany cruised past Finland in the opening day of action in Samsun. Kostja Mushidi (195-G/F-98, agency: BeoBasket) came up with 18 points and 6 assists to lead the winners. Germany used a 26:12 run in the second frame to secure a 19-point halftime lead. They unloaded 45 points in the second half and marched to the victory. Ferdinand Zylka (190-SG-98, agency: BeoBasket) tossed in 13 points in the win. Edon Maxhuni (186-PG-98) responded with 13 points for Finland.
Turkey - Greece 82-78 Turkey tipped off their home championship with victory. They outgunned Greece in Group B opener. Omer Al (181-PG-98) scored 21 points and issued 8 assists to lead the effort. Turkey established a 46:34 halftime lead. Greece cut the deficit in the second half. The Hellenes pulled within striking distance but could not avert the loss. Ragip Atar (210-C-99) accounted for 12 points in the win. Michail Lountzis (196-PG-98) responded with 18 points and 7 rebounds for Greece.
Group C
Latvia - Lithuania 50-62 Lithuania rolled past their Baltic rivals Latvia at the start of the championship campaign. Tadas Sedekerskis (203-F/G-98) produced 14 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge. Lithuania eked out a 29:27 halftime lead. They held Latvia to just 23 points in the second half and raced to the win. Gytis Masiulis (206-F/C-98) accounted for 12 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Kristers Zoriks (191-SG-98) responded with 16 points for Latvia.
Bosnia - Israel 103-102 OT Bosnia and Herzegovina survived a tough overtime battle against Israel to open win count in Group C. Dzanan Musa (204-SG-99, agency: BeoBasket) came up with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the winners. Israel grabbed a 49:32 halftime advantage. But Bosnia and Herzegovina unloaded 35 points in the fourth term and forced overtime. They dropped 13 points in the extra period and snatched a tough win at the end. Sani Campara (190-G-99) provided 23 points in the victory. Amit Ebo (182-G-99) responded with 30 points and 6 assists for Israel.
Group D
Serbia - Slovenia 68-60 Serbia topped Slovenia for the first victory in Group D. Aleksa Radanov (202-SF-98) accounted for 23 points to pace the winning side. Slovenia raced to an 18:13 lead after ten minutes. But Serbia quickly denied the deficit. They eked out a 32:31 halftime advantage. Serbia went on a 21:15 run in the fourth stanza to seal the victory. Borisa Simanic (209-PF-98) tossed in 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the winners. Gaber Ozegovic (196-F-98) answered with 14 points and 8 boards for Slovenia.
France - Russia 53-48 Well-balanced offensive effort propelled France past Russia in the starting game in Samsun for both sides. France dominated in the first half. Les Bleues piled up a 32:20 halftime lead. Russia narrowed the deficit in the second term but came up short of win at the end. Adam Mokoka (193-G-98, agency: BeoBasket) and Frank Ntilikina (196-PG-98) came up with 8 points each for France. Agasiy Tonoyan (203-F-98) responded with 18 points and 7 rebounds for Russia.
Division B. Montenegro celebrate title in Skopje - Aug 7, 2016
FINAL
Ukraine - Montenegro 72-83 Montenegro celebrated the title in Skopje. They outlasted Ukraine in the championship game tonight. Milos Popovic (197-PF-98) scored 17 points to lead the Balkan team. Ukraine secured a 22:16 lead after the first period. But Montenegro went on a massive 27:12 run in the second term to establish a 43:34 halftime lead. Montenegro sank 24 points in the third term to open a 13-point lead. They protected it throughout the fourth quarter and ran to the trophy. Ivan Corovic (198-G-98) had 16 points for Montenegro. Illya Tyrtyshnyk (190-G-98) responded with 19 points for Ukraine.
3-4 Place
Slovakia - Hungary 63-62 Slovakia earned Division A promotion. They nipped Hungary in the consolation final. Marek Dolezaj (195-G-98) notched 19 points to lead the winners. Hungary accounted for a 24:16 halftime lead. Slovakia however stepped on the gas in the second half. They poured in 47 points to snatch a valuable victory. Maros Zeliznak (205-C-99) had 14 points for the winners. Csaba Kucsora (189-G-98) replied with 19 points for Hungary.
5-6 Place
Belgium - Poland 71-51 Belgium knocked down Poland in the game for the 5th place. Lander Kuijt (192-G/F-98) scored 22 points to lead the winners. Belgium recorded a 32:25 halftime lead. They ignited a 23:10 run in the fourth term to secure a comfortable victory. Thibaut Bronchart (192-G/F-98) had 18 points and 8 caroms for the winners. Mateusz Szczypinski (194-SG-98, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with 11 points for Poland.
7-8 Place
Czech Republic - Estonia 65-78 Estonia overcame Czech Republic in the battle for the 7th position. Kristian Kullamae (190-G-99) notched 23 points to pace the winners. Estonia eked out a 34:33 halftime lead. They went on a furious 24:9 run in the third term to clear off for good. Mart Rosenthal (191-G-99) had 19 points in the win. Michael Hartig (191-PF-98) replied with 22 points for Czech Republic.
9-10 Place
United Kingdom - Georgia 85-81 Great Britain overcame Georgia to finish in the 9th place. Brian Perez (203-F/C-99) notched 23 points to lead the winning side. Georgia jumped to a 47:34 halftime lead. But Great Britain unloaded 33 points in the third term to deny the deficit. They held Georgia to just 15 points in the fourth term and rallied to the victory. Nelson Boachie-Yiadom (197-F-99) had 18 points in the win. Luka Bulashvili (192-G/F-98) responded with 20 points for Georgia.
11-12 Place
Bulgaria - Belarus 74-75 Belarus snatched a narrow win over Bulgaria to earn the 11th position. Denis Sivatskiy (198-F-98) provided 18 points and 8 rebounds to lead the winners. Bulgaria posted a 40:32 halftime lead. But Belarus used a 23:14 run in the third term to spur ahead. They protected the lead throughout the fourth quarter and secured the winning outcome. Yauhen Massalski (204-F-99) had 17 points and 13 rebounds for Belarus. Yordan Minchev (202-F-98) responded with 15 points and 10 rebounds for Bulgaria.
13-14 Place
Portugal - Iceland 60-64 Iceland rallied past Portugal to earn the 13th place at the championship. Thorir Thorbjarnarsson (196-F-98) accounted for 22 points and 13 rebounds for the victors. Portugal snatched a 29:27 halftime lead. Iceland however picked up the tempo in the second half. They held Portugal to just 31 points in the second half and rallied to the win. Snjolfur Stefansson (192-G/F-98) had 15 points and 8 rebounds in the victory. Pedro Lanca (184-PG-99) responded with 11 points for Portugal.
15-16 Place
Denmark - FYR Macedonia 85-61 Denmark cruised past FYR Macedonia to finish at the 15th position. Sylvester Berg (201-F-98) tallied 25 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Danish side. Denmark went on a 27:10 run in the third term to secure a comfortable 17-point lead. They poured in 23 points in the fourth frame to seal the win. David Kristensen (208-F-98) had 13 points for the winners. Nenad Dimitrijevikj (170-PG-98) posted 26 points for FYR Macedonia.
17-18 Place
Holland - Austria 85-64 Netherlands wrapped up the championship campaign with victory. They beat Austria to end up in the 17th place. Five players scored in double digits for the winners. Wietze Nossek (201-F-98) scored 15 points and grabbed 7 rebounds for the Dutch team. Netherlands went on a strong 44:23 second half run to ice the win. Dylan Van Eyck (201-F-98) and Marijn Ververs (190-G-98) had 12 points each for Netherlands. Luka Brajkovic (203-F/C-99) responded with 18 points for Austria.
19-20 Place
Romania - Luxembourg 64-70 Luxembourg overcame Romania to finish the tournament on a high note. Mihailo Andjelkovic (179-G-98) and Thierry Cames (189-PF-98) nailed 19 points each to lead the winners. Romania established a 39:26 halftime lead. However Luxembourg responded with a 44:25 second half rally to snatch the victory. Mathis Wolff (182-F-98) had 11 points in the win. Vasile Dunca (192-G/F-98) and Dimitri Georgiadis (202-F-99) replied with 17 points each for Romania.
21-22 Place
Scotland - Albania 68-71 Albania beat Scotland in the final game in Skopje. Frenki Lilaj (201-C-98) notched 17 points and 9 rebounds to pace the winners. Albania registered a 38:29 halftime lead. Scotland cut the deficit in the second half but came up short of win at the end. Eldi Hysa (189-SG-99) had 16 points for the winners. Kyle Jimenez (183-SF-98) responded with 17 points for Scotland.
23-24 Place
Cyprus - Ireland 56-72 Ireland toppled Cyprus to occupy the 23rd position. Matt Treacy (199-F-98) notched 27 points and 13 rebounds in the victory. Cyprus grabbed an 18:12 lead after ten minutes. But Ireland responded with a 20:7 rally in the second term to take a 32:25 halftime lead. Ireland followed with a 19:11 run in the fourth term to seal the win. Daniel Heaney (198-F-98) contributed 14 points for the winners. Christos Evzonas (185-PG-98) answered with 12 points for Cyprus.
Division B. Montenegro and Ukraine reach Final - Aug 6, 2016
SEMIFINALS
Montenegro - Slovakia 87-72 Montenegro fired past Slovakia to clinch the championship game birth. Milos Popovic (197-PF-98) scored 23 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead the winners as they claimed Division A promotion. Montenegro establish a 51:39 halftime lead. Slovakia cut the deficit at 7-point mark at the final intermission. However Montenegro sank 25 points in the fourth term to ice the victory. Milic Starovlah (196-F-98) had 20 points for the winning side. Mario Ihring (189-G-98) responded with 26 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds in the loss.
Hungary - Ukraine 58-78 Ukraine advanced into the Final in Skopje. They used a massive second half run to beat Hungary and sealed their Division A birth for the next season. Illya Tyrtyshnyk (190-G-98) delivered 16 points for the winners. Hungary enjoyed a 43:33 halftime advantage. But Ukraine triggered a strong 45:15 second half rally to silence their opponents. Dmytro Skapintsev (206-C-98) netted 15 points and grabbed 9 rebounds for Ukraine. Gabor Rudner (197-G-98) responded with 16 points for Hungary.
5-8 Place
Poland - Estonia 86-60 Poland will play for the fifth overall position in Skopje. They beat Estonia in the classification game today. Mikolaj Kurpisz (202-PF-98) came up with 15 points to lead the winners. Poland grabbed a 35:28 halftime lead. They went on a 30:10 run in the fourth term to seal the victory. Mateusz Szczypinski (194-SG-98, agency: Octagon Europe) provided 11 points in the win. Matthias Tass (208-F/C-99) responded with 18 points and 9 rebounds for Estonia.
Belgium - Czech Republic 74-58 Lander Kuijt (192-G/F-98) scored 18 points to lead Belgium past Czech Republic in the classification round. Belgium accumulated a 46:27 halftime lead. They protected the lead well throughout the second half and raced to the victory. Darnell Snyers (181-PG-98) accounted for 13 points and 6 assists for the winners. David Zikla (202-F-98) responded with 16 points for Czech Republic.
9-12 Place
Belarus - United Kingdom 64-81 Great Britain posted a comfortable win over Belarus in the classification round. Nelson Boachie-Yiadom (197-F-99) recorded 26 points and 8 rebounds to lead the winners. Great Britain recorded a 39:34 halftime lead. They went on a 42:30 second half run to seal the win. Micah Savery-Richards (191-G/F-99) accounted for 13 points for the winners. Grigoriy Kruk (181-PG-98) responded with 13 points for Belarus.
Bulgaria - Georgia 101-103 OT Georgia used overtime to tame Bulgaria in the last but one game at the tournament. Luka Bulashvili (192-G/F-98) posted 37 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals to lead the charge. Bulgaria eked out a 41:40 halftime lead. Georgia unleashed 28 points in the fourth term to force the game into overtime. Georgia sank 16 points in the extra period and sealed the winning outcome. Goga Bitadze (210-C/F-99) produced 23 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Yordan Minchev (202-F-98) replied with 36 points and 7 rebounds for Bulgaria.
13-16 Place
FYR Macedonia - Iceland 84-94 Iceland upset hosting FYR Macedonia in the classification round. Thorir Thorbjarnarsson (196-F-98) was unstoppable with 39 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. FYR Macedonia and Iceland were tied at 49 at the interval. Iceland jumped to a 5-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Iceland held the hosts to 17 points in the final term and sealed the victory. Eyjolfur Halldorsson (194-F/G-98) had 17 points for the winners. Nenad Dimitrjevikj responded with 30 points and 9 assists for FYR Macedonia.
Portugal - Denmark 65-46 Portugal proved too good for Denmark in the classification round clash. Pedro Costa (188-SG-98) nailed 16 points to pace the effort. Portugal built a 34:24 halftime lead. Denmark narrowed the margin at 8 points heading into the fourth quarter. But Portugal responded with a 15:4 run in the fourth stanza to seal the win. Tomas Domingos (209-C-98) accounted for 15 points for the winners. Sylvester Berg and Nikolaj Boje Bank (210-C-98) tossed in 10 points each for Denmark.
17-20 Place
Romania - Holland 57-69 Netherlands outgunned Romania behind 16 points from Maik Bouwer (197-SF-99). Romania got to a quick start. They posted a 37:29 halftime lead. But Netherlands turned things around in the second half. The Dutch side went on a 22:11 run in the third term to surge ahead. Netherlands held their opponents to just 9 points in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Irfan Ramovic (192-PG-98) had 13 points for the winners. Georges Darwiche (180-PG-98) responded with 17 points for Romania.
Austria - Luxembourg 81-72 Austria defeated Luxembourg in the classification game. Jonas John posted 22 points and 7 rebounds to lead the winners. Austria grabbed a 42:35 halftime lead. Luxembourg denied the deficit in the third term. The teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 53. But Austria unloaded 28 points in the final stanza and sealed the win. Peter Hofbauer (194-F/G-98) and Justin McCaw (186-G-98) added 17 points each in the victory. Mihailo Andjelkovic (179-G-98) answered with 21 points for Luxembourg.
21-24 Place
Ireland - Albania 68-69 Albania nipped Ireland in the last but one game in Skopje for both sides. Frenki Lilaj (201-C-98) came up with 15 points to lead the winners. Ireland enjoyed a 37:32 halftime lead. They extended the margin at 7-point mark heading into the fourth quarter. But Albania went on a 25:17 run in the final stanza to snatch the victory. Ferdi Bedini (184-SG-99) had 11 points in the win. Adam Drummond (192-SG-99) responded with 26 points for Ireland.
Cyprus - Scotland 52-66 Scotland fired past Cyprus for the first victory in Skopje. Nicholas Conway (195-F/G-98) posted 21 points and 6 rebounds to lead the winners. Scotland posted a 23:7 lead ten minutes into the game. They followed with a 17:9 run in the third term to clear off for good. Jake Sirrell provided 14 points for the winners. Christos Evzonas (185-PG-98) responded with 17 points for Cyprus.
Division B. Montenegro, Slovakia, Ukraine and Hungary reach semifinals - Aug 5, 2016
Quarterfinals
Montenegro - Poland 75-53 Montenegro stayed in the race for Division B title. They cruised past Poland in the quarterfinal battle. Milos Popovic (197-PF-98) netted 25 points and collected 10 rebounds for the winners. Montenegro established a 48:34 halftime lead. Montenegro held their opponents to just 19 second half points and raced to the win. Ognjen Carapic (195-SG-98, agency: BeoBasket) tossed in 15 points for the Balkan team. Mateusz Szczypinski (194-SG-98, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with 13 points for Poland.
Estonia - Slovakia 67-71 Slovakia rallied into the semis in Skopje. They outgunned Estonia in the quarterfinal clash. Marek Dolezaj (195-G-98) and Matej Dgron produced 14 points each for the winners. Slovakia eked out a 32:29 halftime lead. They boosted the margin at 9-point mark at the final intermission. Estonia sank 26 points in the fourth term but could not avoid the defeat. Kristian Kullamae (190-G-99) netted 20 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in the loss.
Ukraine - Czech Republic 67-62 Ukraine became the semifinalists in Skopje. They outlasted Czech Republic in the quarterfinal clash. Illia Niemtsu (201-SF-98) stepped up with 21 points and 8 rebounds to pace the winners. Ukraine established a 37:21 halftime lead. Czech Republic went on a furious comeback rally in the fourth quarter but came up short at the end. Mykhailo Horobchenko (182-PG-98) netted 14 points in the victory. Michal Kozak (202-F-98) answered with 16 points for Czech Republic.
Hungary - Belgium 68-63 Hungary outscored Belgium to advance into the semifinal stage at the championship. Csaba Kucsora (189-G-98) nailed 26 points to lead the winning side. Belgium dominated in the first half. They piled up a 41:28 halftime lead. But Hungary turned the tables in the second half. They went on a 29:6 run in the third term to surge ahead for good. Krisztofer Durazi (198-F/G-98) posted 17 points in the win. Giuliano Neri (187-SG-99) answered with 13 points for Belgium.
9-16 Place
Iceland - United Kingdom 64-70 Great Britain fired past Iceland in the classification round. Zion Tordoff (182-SG-99) nailed 15 points to lead the winning side. Great Britain piled up a comfortable 35:22 halftime lead. Iceland cut the deficit at 2-point mark at the final intermission. Great Britain sank 20 points in the fourth quarter and raced to the victory. Carl Wheatle (196-F-98) delivered 11 points and 25 boards in the winning case. Eyjolfur Halldorsson (194-F/G-98) responded with 18 points and 7 rebounds for Iceland.
Belarus - FYR Macedonia 83-82 Belarus narrowly defeated FYR Macedonia in the classification round clash. Vlad Mikulskiy (188-G-98) came up with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the winners. Belarus grabbed a 40:33 halftime lead. FYR Macedonia unloaded 30 points in the third term to pull ahead. But Belarus managed to come from behind in the fourth stanza. They sank 25 points in the fourth frame to snatch the win. Yauhen Massalski (204-F-99) had 18 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Nenad Dimitrijevikj (170-PG-98) replied with 30 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists for FYR Macedonia.
Bulgaria - Portugal 92-67 Bulgaria cruised past Portugal in the classification round. Yordan Minchev (202-F-98) nailed 24 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and issued 5 assists for the winners. Bulgaria eked out a 39:38 halftime lead. They unleashed 53 points in the second half and cruised to the victory. Martin Kotsev (191-G/F-98) produced 18 points in the win. Pedro Lanca (184-PG-99) responded with 18 points and 6 steals for Portugal.
Georgia - Denmark 63-60 Georgia outgunned Denmark in the classification round in Skopje. Luka Bulashvili (192-G/F-98) and Levan Babilodze (196-SG-98) posted 15 points each to lead the winners. Denmark grabbed a 15:8 lead ten minutes into the game. But Georgia gradually picked up the tempo. They went on a 20:16 run in the fourth term to rally to the victory. Nikoloz Leonidze (188-SG-98) had 10 points in the win. Sylvester Berg (201-F-98) responded with 12 points and 9 rebounds for Denmark.
Division B. Quarterfinals are set in Skopje - Aug 3, 2016
Group A
FYR Macedonia - Cyprus 82-54 FYR Macedonia finished the preliminary round on a high note. They breezed past Cyprus for the third win in Group A. Nenad Dimitrijevikj (170-PG-98) posted 23 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the winners. FYR Macedonia built a 37:22 halftime lead. They unleashed 29 points in the fourth quarter to ease to the win. Elvis Hot (197-F/C-98) had 18 points for the winners. Christos Hatzikostas (184-G-98) responded with 12 points and 7 rebounds for Cyprus.
Hungary - Bulgaria 71-70 Hungary withheld a fierce challenge from Bulgaria to finish the preliminary round undefeated. Krisztofer Durazi (198-F/G-98) nailed 16 points to lead the winners. Hungary posted a 42:39 halftime lead. Bulgaria denied the deficit in the third term. They tied things up at 55 heading into the fourth frame. But Hungary narrowly outgunned their opponents in the fourth frame and eked out a narrow win. Marcell Volgyi (198-F-98) netted 11 points in the victory. Yordan Minchev (202-F-98) responded with 19 points and 8 rebounds for Bulgaria.
Ireland - Poland 79-88 Poland secured their playoff birth as they beat Ireland for the fourth victory in Group A. Dominik Wilczek (193-G/F-99) notched 20 points to lead the winners. The teams were tied at 42 heading into the second half. Poland however unleashed 46 points in the second half and marched to the victory. Mikolaj Kurpisz (202-PF-98) had 17 points and 7 rebounds in the win. Adam Drummond (192-SG-99) responded with 27 points for Ireland.
Group B
Austria - Belarus 67-83 Belarus finished third in Group B. They rallied past Austria in the final game at the preliminary round. Dzianis Vikentsyeu (203-F/C-98) provided 23 points to lead the winners. Belarus piled up a 43:32 halftime lead. They poured in 25 points in the third term to boost the gap at 20-point mark and never looked back en route to the win. Vlad Mikulskiy (188-G-98) provided 17 points and 7 steals for the winners. Justin McCaw (186-G-98) responded with 21 points for Austria.
Belgium - Romania 84-45 Belgium knocked down Romania to claim the third position in Group B. Thibault Vanderhaegen (201-F-98) accounted for 14 points in the victory. Romania jumped to a 15:8 lead after the opening frame. Belgium however picked up the tempo in the next quarters. Belgium posted a 31:26 halftime lead. They followed with a 29:11 run in the third term to clear off for good. Thibaut Bronchard (C) had 11 points and 10 boards in the victory. Dimitri Georgiadis (202-F-99) answered with 10 points for Romania.
Portugal - Montenegro 45-80 Montenegro cruised past Portugal for the fifth straight victory in Group B. Ognjen Carapic (195-SG-98, agency: BeoBasket) posted 18 points to lead the Balkan team. Montenegro established a 41:23 halftime lead. Montenegro boosted the gap at 29-point mark heading into the fourth frame and cruised to the victory. Milic Starovlah (196-F-98) had 14 points and 8 boards in the win. Pedro Lanca (184-PG-99) and Rodrigo Lima (183-PG-98) notched 10 points each for the losing side.
Group C
Czech Republic - Estonia 58-65 Estonia advanced into the quarterfinal stage in Skopje. They beat Czech Republic to finish on top of Group C. Matthias Tass (208-F/C-99) accounted for 19 points and 13 rebounds in the victory. Estonia eked out a 29:25 halftime lead. They sank 22 points in the fourth quarter and rallied to the win. Ron-Arnar Pehka (185-PG-98) produced 15 points in the victory. Zdenek Blaha (197-SG-98) and Jan Zidek (200-F-99) responded with 9 points each for Czech Republic.
Holland - Iceland 66-77 Iceland outscored Netherlands for the third victory in Group C. Thorir Thorbjarnarsson (196-F-98) came up with 26 points and 8 rebounds to lead the effort. Netherlands posted a 26:18 lead at the first break. But Iceland turned the tables in the next quarters. They went on a strong 41:30 second half rally to snatch the win. Eyjolfur Halldorsson (194-F/G-98) had 15 points for the winners. Irfan Ramovic (192-PG-98) answered with 15 points for Netherlands.
Luxembourg - Denmark 52-83 Jacob Knudsen (198-F-98) recorded 14 points and 9 rebounds as Denmark coasted past Luxembourg. Denmark claimed a massive 43:23 halftime lead. Denmark stayed ahead throughout the second half. They eased to the victory at the end. Sylvester Berg (201-F-98) and Lukas Charles Speidel (193-F/G-98) provided 11 points each for the winners. Mathis Wolff (182-F-98) responded with 23 points for Luxembourg.
Group D
Georgia - Slovakia 48-68 Slovakia clinched the second position in Group D. They beat Georgia to finish at 4-1 record. Marek Dolezaj (195-G-98) and Mario Ihring (189-G-98) provided 16 points each to lead the winners. Slovakia accounted for a 35:28 halftime lead. They stretched the gap at 15-point mark heading into the fourth frame. Slovakia stayed in front throughout the final stanza and marched to the win. Matej Drgon (195-F-98) had 14 points for the winners. Luka Bulashvili (192-G/F-98) responded with 11 points for Georgia.
United Kingdom - Albania 83-42 Great Britain fired past Albania to gain 2-3 record in Group D. Carl Wheatle (196-F-98) and Zion Tordoff (182-SG-99) notched 12 points each to lead the winners. Great Britain piled up a 46:20 halftime advantage. They went on a strong 37:22 second half rally to ice the win. Luke Mitchell delivered 10 points in the victory. Odri Dedolli (185-SG-99) and Joans Gjeci (194-PF-98) responded with 8 points each for Albania.
Scotland - Ukraine 65-92 Ukraine coasted past Scotland for the fourth win in Skopje. Roman Bondarchuk (196-F-98) was responsible for 21 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge. Ukraine piled up a comfortable 54:30 halftime lead. Scotland managed to slow their opponents down in the second half but Ukraine maintained the lead marching to the win. Mykhailo Yagodin (191-PG-98) netted 14 points in the victory. Sean Nealon (189-F-99) and Jake Sirrell (197-PF-98) responded with 10 points each for Scotland.
Division B. Day 4 in Skopje - Aug 2, 2016
Group A
Bulgaria - Cyprus 82-67 Bulgaria kept chasing the top position in Group A. They rallied past Cyprus for the third win. Martin Kotsev (191-G/F-98) nailed 23 points and grabbed 9 rebounds for the winners. Bulgaria established a 47:31 halftime lead. Bulgaria kept Cyprus at bay throughout the second half and marched to the win. Ivan Alipiev (194-F/G-99) had 11 points for the winners. Cyprus responded with 12 points from Orestis Andreou (188-F/G-98).
Poland - FYR Macedonia 104-66 Poland cruised past FYR Macedonia for the third victory in Group A. Mateusz Szczypinski (194-SG-98, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 16 points to lead the winners. Poland piled up a 46:30 halftime lead. They unleashed 58 points in the second half and cruised to the win. Dominik Wilczek (193-G/F-99) contributed 14 points for the winners. Nenad Dimitrijevikj (170-PG-98) responded with 22 points for FYR Macedonia.
Hungary - Ireland 94-55 Hungary stayed on the winning track in Skopje. They fired past Ireland for the fourth straight victory. Csaba Kucsora (189-G-98) posted 15 points to lead the winners. Hungary opened a 43:18 halftime lead. They unloaded 51 points in the second half to seal the victory. Gabor Bordacs (199-F/G-98) accounted for 12 points in the win. Matt Treacy (199-F-98) responded with 14 points and 7 rebounds for Ireland.
Group B
Montenegro - Austria 87-45 Montenegro remained undefeated in Skopje. They fired past Austria for the fourth consecutive victory in Group B. Ognjen Carapic (195-SG-98, agency: BeoBasket) nailed 21 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and issued 5 assists for the winners. Montenegro established a 48:22 halftime lead. They followed with a 27:12 run in the third term and cleared off for good. Milos Popovic (197-PF-98) had 18 points in the win. Jakob Ernst (189-G-98) responded with 13 points for Austria.
Romania - Belarus 69-77 Belarus registered the second victory in Group B. They beat Romania for 2-2 record. Vlad Mikulskiy (188-G-98) nailed 34 points and made 6 steals to lead the winners. Belarus secured a 34:28 halftime lead. They stretched the lead at 10-point mark at the final intermission and never looked back. Denis Sivatskiy (198-F-98) had 10 points for the winners. Dan Tohatan (182-PG-99) responded with 16 points for Romania.
Belgium - Portugal 53-56 Portugal outgunned Belgium to catch up with their opponents at 2-2 record in Group B. Goncalo Delgado delivered 21 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Portugal eked out a 30:26 halftime lead. They boosted the margin at 5-point mark at the final intermission and protected it throughout the fourth frame. Vasco Catarro (198-F-99) netted 11 points in the win. Darnell Snyers (181-PG-98) responded with 13 points for Belgium.
Group C
Estonia - Iceland 86-66 Estonia improved at 3-1 record following a comfortable win over Iceland. Kristian Kullamae (190-G-99) netted 31 points and pulled down 8 rebounds for the winners. Estonia posted a 44:30 halftime lead. They dropped 42 points in the second half to race to the win. Matthias Tass (208-F/C-99) had 13 points, 15 boards and 10 blocks for Estonia. Thorir Thorbharnarsson responded with 24 points for Iceland.
Denmark - Holland 59-53 Denmark held off Netherlands for 2-2 record in Group C. David Kristensen nailed 15 points for the Scandinavian side. Denmark jumped to a 17:4 lead after ten minutes. Netherlands though managed to narrow the gap at 4-point mark at the interval. The Dutch team pulled within 3 points at the final intermission. But Denmark held their opponents to just 9 points and raced to the victory. Oscar Jorgensen had 10 points for the winners. Calvin Poulina responded with 18 points for Netherlands.
Czech Republic - Luxembourg 73-33 Czech Republic overwhelmed Luxembourg to remain perfect at the championship. Martin Kolar scored 11 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead well-balanced effort from the winners. Czech Republic piled up a 44:19 halftime lead. They went on a 20:2 run in the fourth term to seal the win. Ondrej Kukura (204-C/F-98) had 9 points in the victory. Mihailo Andjelkovic (179-G-98) answered with 11 points for Luxembourg.
Group D
Ukraine - Georgia 71-72 Luka Bulashvili (192-G/F-98) sank two free throws late in regulation to propel Georgia past Ukraine in thriller. He finished with 20 points for Georgia as climbed at 4-0 record. Georgia built a 37:34 halftime lead. But Ukraine went on a 27:14 run in the third term to spur ahead. Georgia however bounced back as they pulled within striking distance late in the game. Luka Bulashvili then calmly sank two free throws to ice the win. Levan Babilodze (196-SG-98) provided 14 points for Georgia. Mykhailo Horobchenko (182-PG-98) responded with 18 points for Ukraine.
United Kingdom - Scotland 95-51 Great Britain snapped three-game losing skid in Skopje. They thumped Scotland for the first win in Group D. Nelson Boachie-Yiadom (197-F-99) accounted for 14 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Great Britain rallied to a 51:27 halftime lead. They maintained the lead throughout the second half and coasted to the win. Micah Savery-Richards (191-G/F-99) and Henri Langton (206-C-98) netted 12 points each for the winners. Kyle Jimenez (183-SF-98) responded with 16 points for Scotland.
Albania - Slovakia 45-93 Matej Drgon (195-F-98) and Maros Zeliznak (205-C-99) nailed 12 points each to lead Slovakia to a comfortable win over Albania. Slovakia built a comfortable 45:20 halftime lead. They dropped 48 points in the second half to seal the win. Frenki Lilaj (201-C-98) replied with 20 points for Albania.
Division B. Day 3 in Skopje - Jul 31, 2016
Group A
FYR Macedonia - Hungary 56-78 Hungary secured the third straight win in Group A. They overcame FYR Macedonia to stay undefeated. Csaba Kucsora (189-G-98) provided 20 points to lead the winners. Hungary went on a 25:11 run in the second term to take a 10-point lead. They dropped 24 points in the third term to secure a 19-point advantage at the final intermission. Hungary protected the lead well throughout the fourth quarter and marched to the win. Mate Papai (204-F-98) and Gaspar Kerpel-Fronius (186-G-98) chipped in 11 points each for the winners. Elvis Hot (197-F/C-98) responded with 16 points and 11 rebounds for FYR Macedonia.
Ireland - Bulgaria 67-113 Bulgaria coasted past Ireland for the second win in Group A. Yordan Minchev (202-F-98) came up with 30 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to pace the winning side. Bulgaria posted a 56:20 halftime lead. Bulgaria unloaded 57 points in the second half to cruise to the victory. Ivaylo Tonev (194-F/G-99) had 22 points for the winners. Adam Drummond (192-SG-99) answered with 15 points for Ireland.
Cyprus - Poland 42-70 Poland cruised past Cyprus to take 2-1 record in Group A. Mikolaj Kurpisz (202-PF-98) posted 16 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Poland recorded a 31:20 halftime lead. Poland followed with a 39:22 second half run to celebrate victory. Mateusz Szczypinski (194-SG-98, agency: Octagon Europe) accounted for 11 points in the win. Orestis Andreou (188-F/G-98) responded with 8 points for Cyprus.
Group B
Belarus - Montenegro 56-95 Montenegro cruised past Belarus to secure the third win in a row in Skopje. Ognjen Carapic (195-SG-98, agency: BeoBasket) posted 17 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the winners. Montenegro built a 47:25 halftime lead. They sank 48 points in the second half and cruised to the win. Milic Starovlah (196-F-98) accounted for 16 points for the winners. Dzianis Vikentsyeu (203-F/C-98) and Vlad Mikulskiy (188-G-98) had 8 points apiece for Belarus.
Portugal - Romania 62-45 Portugal opened win count in Skopje. They bettered Romania for 1-2 record. Pedro Costa (188-SG-98) provided 14 points in the win. Romania and Portugal were tied at 25 after twenty minutes of action. Portugal shifted the gear in the second half. They went on a 37:20 run to clear off for the win. Goncalo Delgado (203-F/C-98) had 11 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Dan Tohatan (182-PG-99) responded with 11 points and 12 rebounds for Romania.
Austria - Belgium 45-91 Belgium coasted past Austria to improve at 2-1 record in Group B. Belgium jumped to a 45:18 halftime lead. They unleashed 46 points in the second half to rally to the victory. Lander Kuijt (192-G/F-98) posted 15 points for the winners. Servaas Buysschaert (200-C/F-99) had 11 points in the win. Peter Hofbauer (194-F/G-98) and Jonas John (182-SG-99) delivered 9 points each for Austria.
Group C
Iceland - Denmark 73-68 Iceland held off Denmark to record the second victory in Skopje. Eyjolfur Halldorsson (194-F/G-98) posted 17 points to lead the winners. Iceland established a 41:36 halftime lead. Denmark pulled ahead in the third term. The Scandinavian team eked out a one-point lead at the final intermission. Iceland however turned the tables in the fourth stanza. They held Denmark to just 9 points in the final period and raced to the victory. Thorir Thorbjarnarsson (196-F-98) delivered 15 points and 8 steals for the winners. David Kristensen (208-F-98) responded with 14 points for Denmark.
Holland - Czech Republic 62-83 Czech Republic recorded the third straight victory in Skopje. They rolled past Netherlands to stay undefeated. Jan Zidek (200-F-99) posted 13 points to lead the winners. Czech Republic gained a 37:31 halftime lead. The Czech team extended the gap at 10-point mark. They totaled 32 points in the fourth quarter to rally to the win. Eduard Kotasek (187-G/F-98) tossed in 12 points for the winners. Elay Wirjo (196-F-98) responded with 14 points for Netherlands.
Luxembourg - Estonia 53-76 Estonia cruised past Luxembourg to gain 2-1 record in Group C. Kristian Kullamae (190-G-99) accounted for 32 points to lead the Baltic side. Estonia posted a 49:30 halftime lead. They came up with a 14:6 rally in the fourth stanza to seal the win. Eric Schmalz (182-G-99) chipped in 12 points for the winners. Mihailo Andjelkovic (179-G-98) responded with 26 points and 7 rebounds for Luxembourg.
Group D
Georgia - United Kingdom 76-70 Georgia celebrated the third consecutive win in Group D. They held off Great Britain to remain perfect. Goga Bitadze (210-C/F-99) stepped up with 18 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Great Britain surged to a comfortable 29:15 lead after the first period. But Georgia turned things around in the next quarters. They turned the deficit into a 4-point lead heading into the fourth frame 56:52. Georgia posted 20 points in the final stanza to seal the win. Saba Akobia (185-PG-98) provided 16 points in the victory. Nelson Boachie-Yiadom (197-F-99) responded with 14 points and 12 rebounds for Great Britain.
Scotland - Albania 83-65 Scotland outscored Albania for the first win in Group D. Sean Nealon (189-F-99) produced 25 points and 8 rebounds to lead the winners. Albania grabbed a 20:17 lead after ten minutes. But Scotland used a 46:22 run in the next two quarters to spur ahead. Albania cut the distance in the fourth frame but could not avert the defeat. Konrad Kantorski (181-PG-98) chipped in 21 points for the winning side. Frenki Lilaj (201-C-98) responded with 13 points for Albania.
Slovakia - Ukraine 61-78 Ukraine kept on winning in Skopje. They beat Slovakia for the third consecutive win in Group D. Illya Tyrtyshnyk (190-G-98) accounted for 19 points and 7 assists for the winners. Slovakia rallied to a 25:14 lead after ten minutes. But Ukraine turned things around in the next periods. They stormed to a 60:53 lead at the final break. Ukraine held Slovakia to only 8 points in the fourth frame and sealed the victory. Illia Niemtsu (201-SF-98) and Mykhailo Horobchenko (182-PG-98) finished with 15 points each for the winners. Matej Drgon (195-F-98) responded with 18 points and 9 rebounds for Slovakia.
Division B. Day 1 in Skopje - Jul 30, 2016
Group A
Cyprus - Ireland 67-61 Cyprus fired past Ireland behind 13 points from Michalis Mythillos (190-G-98). Cyprus recorded a 40:32 halftime lead. They stretched the margin at 11-point mark at the final intermission. Ireland narrowed the deficit in the fourth frame but came up short at the end. Christos Hatzikostas (184-G-98) tossed in 11 points in the win. Adam Drummond (192-SG-99) and Robert Sullivan (184-G/F-98) responded with 15 points each for Ireland.
FYR Macedonia - Bulgaria 69-88 Bulgaria cruised past FYR Macedonia in the opener. Yordan Minchev (202-F-98) nailed 26 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Bulgaria established a 54:36 halftime lead. FYR Macedonia cut the distance at 12-point mark at the final intermission. However Bulgaria picked up the tempo in the fourth frame to roll to the victory. Krastan Krastanov (195-F/G-99) provided 24 points in the win. Ranko Mamuzikj (200-PF-98) replied with 22 points and 6 rebounds for FYR Macedonia.
Poland - Hungary 72-76 Hungary rallied past Poland in the opening game in Group A. Chester Lewis (185-PG-98) posted 19 points to lead the winners. Poland recorded a 43:32 halftime lead. Hungary however turned things around in the second half. They went on a 24:12 run in the fourth frame to snatch the win. Csaba Kucsora (189-G-98) posted 13 points for the winners. Dominik Rutkowski (196-F/G-98) responded with 18 points for Poland.
Group B
Montenegro - Belgium 71-59 Milos Popovic (197-PF-98) posted 27 points and 13 rebounds to lead Montenegro past Belgium. The Balkan side jumped to a 37:29 halftime lead. Montenegro extended the margin at 10-point mark at the final intermission. They protected the lead throughout the fourth term and raced to the win. Milic Starovlah (196-F-98) delivered 10 points for the winners. Giuliano Neri (187-SG-99) answered with 12 points for Belgium.
Belarus - Portugal 66-54 Belarus held off Portugal behind 16 points and 8 rebounds from Yauhen Massalski (204-F-99). Portugal and Belarus were tied at 27 at the interval. Belarus however cleared off in the second half. They went on a 39:27 run in the half to ice the victory. Dzianis Vikentsyeu (203-F/C-98) and Vlad Mikulskiy (188-G-98) had 14 points each for the winners. Goncalo Delgado (203-F/C-98), Goncalo Madureira (182-SG-98) and Pedro Costa (188-SG-98) responded with 10 points each for Portugal.
Austria - Romania 67-79 Romania nipped Austria to open win count in Group B. Dan Tohatan (182-PG-99) stepped up with 16 points to lead the winning side. Austria reeled off to a 28:19 lead after ten minutes. But Romania turned things around in the second frame. They went on a 28:11 run to gain a 47:39 halftime advantage. Romania held Austria to just 28 points in the second half and marched to the win. Dragos Diculescu (192-G/F-99) and Dimitri Georgiadis (202-F-99) had 12 points each for the winning side. Jonas John (182-SG-99) answered with 18 points for Austria.
Group C
Iceland - Luxembourg 97-50 Iceland eased past Luxembourg in the opener. Five players scored in double digits for the winners. Eyjolfur Halldorsson (194-F/G-98) posted 15 points and 14 rebounds in the victory. Iceland registered a 52:34 halftime lead. Iceland limited their opponents to just 16 points in the second half and cruised to the win. Thorir Thorbjarnarsson (196-F-98) had 14 points in the victory. Philippe Arendt (178-PG-98) responded with 11 points for Luxembourg.
Holland - Estonia 65-71 Estonia upset Netherlands for the opening victory in Skopje. Kristian Kullamae (190-G-99) recorded 20 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in the win. Estonia got to a strong start. They secured a 33:22 halftime lead. Netherlands tried to come back into the game hard throughout the second half but could not avoid the defeat. Matthias Tass (208-F/C-99) had 16 points for the winners. Irfan Ramovic (192-PG-98) answered with 20 points and 8 boards for Netherlands.
Denmark - Czech Republic 53-66 Czech Republic defeated Denmark to open win count in Skopje. Frantisek Vana (191-G/F-97) posted 16 points to lead the winners. Czech Republic accounted for a comfortable 40:13 halftime lead. Denmark narrowed the deficit in the second half. But Czech Republic stayed in control and rallied to the victory. Michal Kozak (202-F-98) had 10 points and 17 rebounds for the Czech side. Stefan Jevric (200-F-98) answered with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for Denmark.
Group D
Slovakia - Scotland 74-56 Slovakia outgunned Scotland in Group D action. Mario Ihring (189-G-98) posted 17 points, 8 steals, 6 assists and 4 rebounds for the winners. Slovakia eked out a 34:33 halftime lead. Scotland denied the deficit in the third term. But Slovakia finished the game on a 25:7 run in the fourth frame and sealed the win. Marek Dolezaj (195-G-98) accounted for 15 points and 11 rebounds in the victory. Kyle Jimenez (183-SF-98) answered with 13 points for Scotland.
Georgia - Albania 94-39 Georgia coasted past Albania for the first win in Skopje. Levan Babilodze (196-SG-98) posted 17 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Georgia built a massive 56:22 halftime lead. They followed with a 25:7 run in the fourth term to breeze to the win. Luka Bulashvili (192-G/F-98) had 14 points for the winning side. Skerdi Jareci (194-F/G-98) responded with 11 points for Albania.
Ukraine - United Kingdom 74-65 Ukraine beat Great Britain en route to the first victory at the tournament. Illya Tyrtyshnyk (190-G-98) posted 22 points for the winners. Ukraine piled up a 42:32 halftime lead. Ukraine maintained the lead throughout the second half and marched to the victory. Dmytro Skapintsev (206-C-98) had 18 points and 15 rebounds in the win. Luke Mitchell (182-G-98) responded with 17 points for Great Britain.
