Germany edge Serbia to celebrate title in Tampere

FINAL

Germany - Serbia 93-83
Germany are crowned U18 European champions. They held off Serbia in the title game in Tampere tonight. Germany sank 33 points in the first period to open a 14-point lead. Serbia narrowed the deficit to 6 points at the big break 51-45. But Germany limited their opponents to 13 points in the third term to extend the gap at 9-point mark. They sank 26 points in the final period and got away with the trophy. Christian Anderson (185-PG-2006) came up with 31 points, while Ivan Kharchenkov added 18 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists for Germany. Savo Drezgic (193-G-2006) answered with 30 points, while Andrej Kostic (198-G-2006) had 23 points in the loss.

3-4 Place

Slovenia - Israel 84-70
Slovenia earned the Bronze medals. They beat Israel in the consolation final today. Slovenia used a 44-32 second half run to seal the victory. Vit Hrabar delivered 24 points, while Zak Smrekar (201-F/G-2006) added 21 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for Slovenia. Ben Saraf (197-PG-2006) tallied 26 points for Israel.

5-6 Place

Lithuania - France 89-99
France earned the fifth place in Tampere. They outscored Lithuania to wrap up their campaign on a winning note. France went on a 28-16 run in the second frame to take an 11-point halftime lead. They sank 44 points in the second half and ran away with the victory. Nolan Traore (193-PG-2006) banked in 29 points and 11 assists for les Bleus. Kasparas Jakucionis (196-G/F-2006) provided 37 points for Lithuania.

7-8 Place

Sweden - Belgium 81-84
Belgium earned the 7th place in Tampere. They toppled Sweden in their final game at the tournament. Sweden stayed dominant in the first half. The Scandinavian team established a 45-38 halftime lead. But Belgium bounced back in the second half and snatched a tough win at the end. Corentin Efono stepped up with 26 points for Belgium. Samuel Obenjo (197-C-2006) netted 21 points for Sweden.

9-10 Place

Italy - Greece 70-68
Italy held off Greece to claim the 9th place. Greece jumped to a 38-31 halftime advantage. But Italy bounced back with a 25-12 rally in the third term to spur ahead. Greece pulled within striking distance in the fourth quarter but came up short at the end. Dame Sarr (198-F/G-2006) tallied 24 points and 12 rebounds for Italy. Panagiotis Pagonis (205-F-2006) finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds for Greece.

11-12 Place

Latvia - Turkey 66-89
Turkey clinched the 11th position at the tournament as they rallied past Latvia on the final day. Turkey used a 31-13 run in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Derin Ustun (192-G-2007) came up with 20 points and 10 assists to lead the winners. Latvia answered with 18 points from Kristers Skrinda (200-F-2006).

13-14 Place

Croatia - Spain 71-89
Spain saved the day as they avoided relegation by beating Croatia for the 13th-place finish in Tampere. Croatia led by four points at the first break. But Spain went on a 29-13 rally in the second term to spur ahead. Spain followed with a 22-13 run in the fourth stanza to ice the crucial win. Mario Saint-Supery (194-G/F-2006) provided 20 points and 10 assists for the winners. Toni Torbarina (182-SG-2006) replied with 13 points for Croatia.

15-16 Place

Denmark - Finland 81-94
Finland topped Denmark to earn the 15th position. The hosts eked out a 49-44 halftime lead. They sank 32 points in the third term to clear off for good. Samu Adler (196-G-2007) stepped up with 23 points, while Christian Blomfelt added 17 points for Finland. Marcus Moller (216-F-2006, agency: Blacktop Management) answered with 18 points and 11 rebounds for Denmark.