NICOSIA (FIBA U16 European Championship 2016 Division C) - Four teams enjoyed big wins on opening day of action in Cyprus. The home team played outstanding defence in a 80-28 victory over San Marino.

Cyprus allowed only five first half points and stole the ball 31 times, which led to 46 fast-break points and 40 points from turnovers. Yiannis Achilleos needed 17 minutes to score 19 points for the home team, Pavlos Stylianou added 15, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, while Polys Iliadis had a game-high six steals, to go with his 14 points and 4 assists. Despite the big victory, there is also room for improvement for Cyprus, as they only went 2-of-15 from downtown.

Also in Group A, Azerbaijan cruised to a 75-51 win against Wales. The Welsh players faced a 13-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter, but the Azerbaijanis outscored them 17-6 in the final period. Saadettin Donat had 19 points and 8 rebounds in less than 18 minutes on the court. Papuna Kirtadze finished with 14, Vugar Mamishov was also in double digits with 12. Shirzad Shirzadov orchestrated the win with 7 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds and 5 steals.

In Group B, Moldova created a 27-point advantage during the second and third quarter to defeat Albania 81-48. Vadim Raducan was unstoppable, scoring 19 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, with two more players also picking up double-doubles. Alexandru Fadin had 13 points and 12 rebounds, Victor Legosin added 11 and 12.

Andorra joined Moldova with a 71-48 triumph over Armenia. Albert Pons Ibanez finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds, Sergi Serrato Balletbo had 14 points, 5 assists and 5 steals, Nil Joval Martinez collected a double-double of 13 points and 18 rebounds, and Alex Peral Serra followed suit to claim 12 points and 14 rebounds.

FIBA