Germany, Slovenia, Israel and Serbia reach semis in Tampere

Quarterfinals

Germany - Lithuania 87-86
Germany sank 23 points in the fourth quarter to snatch a tough one-point win over Lithuania in the quarterfinal clash. Germany eked out a 49-47 halftime lead. But Lithuania surged ahead in the third quarter. Germany managed to recover late in regulation as they sneaked to a crucial win at the end. Jack Kayil (191-PG-2006) scored 22 points for Germany. Nojus Indrusaitis (198-F-2006) had 22 points for Lithuania.

Sweden - Slovenia 56-79
Slovenia outscored Sweden to reach the semifinal stage. Slovenia went on a 43-24 second half rally to ice a comfortable victory. Urban Kroflic (197-F-2006) posted 21 points and 12 rebounds for Slovenia. Casper Pohto (189-G-2006) and Ludvig Lindby (196-SG-2006) netted 12 points each for Sweden.

France - Israel 72-85
Israel shocked France to make it into the semis in Tampere. France enjoyed a 42-41 halftime lead. But Israel responded with a 31-15 rally in the third term to surge ahead for good. Omer Mayer (192-G-2006) came up with 31 points, while Ben Saraf (197-PG-2006) added 23 points for Israel. Noa Essengue (207-F-2006) answered with 28 points and 7 rebounds for France.

Belgium - Serbia 76-88
Serbia advanced into the semifinal round as they saw off Belgium. Serbia dominated in the first half. They established a 49-39 halftime lead. Serbia kept Belgium at bay throughout the second half and rallied to the win. Jayden Hodge (193-SG-2007) notched 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Oskar Giltay (208-C-2006) provided 19 points and 11 rebounds for Belgium. Milos Sojic (203-PF-2006) notched 23 points and 12 rebounds for Serbia.