Slovenia, Serbia, Turkey and Spain advance into semis in Izmir

Quarterfinals

France - Slovenia 57-58
Slovenia nipped France to advance into the semifinal stage in Izmir. Gasper Skorjanc (190-G-2004) scored 14 points to pace the winners. France accounted for a 31-16 halftime lead. But Slovenia answered with a 23-10 run in the third term to pull within two points. They held les Bleues to just 16 points in the fourth quarter to rally to the victory. Jan Zemljic (178-G/F-2004) netted 11 points for Slovenia. Zacharie Perrin (207-C-2004) and Sidy Cissoko (198-PG-2004) produced 12 points each for France.

Israel - Serbia 62-68
Serbia outlasted Israel to pave their way into the semifinal stage. Israel accumulated a 39-22 halftime advantage. But Serbia turned things around in the second half. They ignited a 46-23 rally to snatch the victory. Ilija Milijasevic (187-G-2004) tallied 16 points and 8 assists, while Marko Sarenac (207-PF-2004) added 14 points and 11 rebounds for Serbia. Noam Yaacov (186-PG-2004) answered with 17 points and 10 rebounds for Israel.

Turkey - Lithuania 64-61
Turkey held off Lithuania to reach the semifinal stage. The hosts posted a 32-27 halftime lead. Lithuania erased the deficit in the third term. The Baltic team eked out a 3-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. But Turkey used a 19-13 rally in the final stanza to snatch the victory. Berke Buyuktuncel (202-F-2004) posted 14 points and 8 rebounds for the home side. Emir Sivas (176-G-2005) added 12 points for Turkey. Paulius Murauskas (203-F-2004) responded with 19 points and 9 rebounds for Lithuania.

Spain - Italy 72-59
Spain defeated Italy to ensure the semifinal berth. Italy led by one after ten minutes. But Spain retained control in the second period. They established a 41-35 halftime lead. They held Italy to just 24 points in the second half and rallied to the victory. Rafa Villar (189-G-2004, agency: BIG) posted 15 points, while Izan Almansa (200-C-2005) and Jordi Rodriguez (199-F-2004, agency: BIG) added 14 points each for Spain. Matteo Visintin (189-G-2004) notched 18 points for Italy.