By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Tournament hosts Greece began by dispatching Czech Republic behind a great team effort while in the first match of the competition, Sweden shut down Germany.
In Group B, Montenegro took advantage of the shooting issues of Turkey (1/15 from downtown, 10/22 from the line) and France’s stout defense won the day against Iceland.
The star of Tamir Blatt (son of David Blatt) and his playmaking shined as Israel crushed Latvia following Lithuania’s comfortable victory over Ukraine.
Speaking of noteworthy performances, Vanja Marinkovic was too hot to handle by Italy, leading Serbia to a win in the premiere. Spain was also blazing leaving no room of resistance to Slovenia.
RESULTS:
Group A
Sweden – Germany 72 – 66 (Simon Birgander 19 points, 16 rebounds)
Czech Republic – Greece 47 – 88 (Dimitris Skoulidas 12 points, 4 rebounds)
Group B
Iceland – France 50 – 58 (Amine Noua 12 points, 9 rebounds)
Montenegro – Turkey 73 – 69 (Milos Popovic 19 points, 15 rebounds)
Group C
Ukraine – Lithuania 79 – 92 (Laurynas Birutis 27 points, 10 rebounds 4 steals)
Israel – Latvia 90 – 54 (Tamir Blatt 18 points, 10 assists)
Group D
Slovenia – Spain 59 – 91 (Santiago Yusta 17 points)
Italy – Serbia 69 – 77 (Vanja Marinkovic 30 points, 6 rebounds)
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STANDINGS:
Group A
Greece 2
Sweden 2
Germany 1
Czech Republic 1
Group B
France 2
Montenegro 2
Turkey 1
Iceland 1
Group C
Israel 2
Lithuania 2
Ukraine 1
Latvia 1
Group D
Spain 2
Serbia 2
Italy 1
Slovenia 1