Thijs de Ridder
Spain - Israel 52-59
In a huge surprise in the tournament, Israel pulled off a stunning win against Spain and secured a spot in the quarterfinals where they will face Germany. Israel had an exceptional last quarter, outscoring Spain 17-7. Daniel Wolf (213-F-2004) had an outstanding performance with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Noam Yaacov (186-PG-2004, agency: 2Talent Sports Management) contributed 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists for Israel. Ruben Dominguez (195-SG-2003) scored 10 points, and Pablo Tamba (201-G-2003) grabbed 7 rebounds for Spain.
Lithuania - Slovenia 70-51
Lithuania displayed their dominance in a 70-51 victory over Slovenia, winning all four quarters of the game. Motiejus Krivas (214-C-2004) led the way for Lithuania with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Liutauras Lelevicius (201-SG-2003) contributed 14 points and 4 rebounds. Sasa Ciani (205-PF-2003) had 14 points and 8 rebounds for Slovenia in a losing effort. With this win, Lithuania advanced to the quarterfinals and will face Belgium.
Turkey - Montenegro 73-68
In a highly contested game, Turkey emerged victorious. Berke Buyuktuncel (202-F-2004) led the Turkish team with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Samet Yigitoglu (216-C-2004) had a double-double performance with 12 points and 11 rebounds, earning the MVP of the game honors with an index rating of 21. For Montenegro, Danilo Ivanovic (188-G-2003) and Zoran Vuceljic (197-SG-2003) both scored 10 points, with Vuceljic also contributing 9 rebounds. Turkey will face Greece in the quarterfinals.
Serbia - Italy 75-72
Serbia secured a hard-fought victory over Italy, thanks to a strong second quarter. Italy made a valiant comeback but Serbia remained calm from the free-throw line in the last two minutes of the game. Nikola Saranovic (200-F-2003, agency: Octagon Europe) led the scoring for Serbia with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Filip Brankovic (202-C-2003) contributed 12 points and 5 rebounds. For Italy, Luca Vincini (203-C-2003, agency: Players Group) scored 18 points and grabbed 3 rebounds, and Nicolo Virginio (206-PF-2003) added 16 points and 6 rebounds. Serbia will play against France in Quarterfinals.
Belgium - Estonia 80-65
Belgium controlled the game and sealed the deal in the third quarter with a 25-16 win. Thijs De Ridder (203-F/C-2003) had an outstanding performance for Belgium with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists, earning an index rating of 32. Siebe Ledegen (199-F-2003) contributed 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Karl Poom (198-F-2004) scored 14 points for Estonia. Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals and will face Lithuania.
Greece - Iceland 83-75
In a closely contested game, Greece emerged victorious with a strong performance in the third quarter. Vangelis Zougris (202-C/F-2004) had an impressive outing with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Athanasios Bazinas (194-PG-2003) contributed 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists for Greece. Orri Gunnarsson (197-SF-2003) led Iceland's efforts with 21 points and 6 rebounds, and Tomas Thrastarson (197-G-2005) added 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Greece will face Turkey in the next knockout phase.
Germany - Croatia 87-67
Germany comfortably defeated Croatia with a final score of 87-67. Sananda Fru (205-PF-2003) led the scoring for Germany with 20 points and 5 rebounds, followed by Benjamin Schroeder (201-G/F-2003) with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Zvonimir Ivisic (219-PF-2003) scored 14 points and grabbed 5 rebounds for Croatia. Germany secured their place in the quarterfinals and will face either Israel.
France - Poland 89-55
France showcased their dominance in this knockout game, leaving no chance for Poland. Maxime Raynaud (216-C-2003) scored 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, earning an index rating of 18, while Noah Bolanga (199-SG-2003) contributed 13 points and 2 assists with an index rating of 17. Maksymilian Wilczek (197-G/F-2004) led Poland with 10 points and 3 rebounds, while Piotr Winkowski (208-C-2003, agency: SPORTFORUM Agency) added 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. France will face Serbia in the quarterfinals.
Tags : THIJS DE RIDDER, EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20 BASKETBALL, BELGIAN NATIONAL TEAM
