MATOSINHOS (Portugal) - Day 1 action kicked off at the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship and Spain, Czech Republic and France all got statement wins, while hosts Portugal held on to a three-point win.

Hungary kicked off things in Group A with a win over Croatia, 61-53, as Lili Gabor led the Hungarians with 19 points and 8 rebounds on 6-of-9 shooting from the field.

Italy also started 1-0 in the same group after defeating Finland 56-50 behind Emma Zuccon's 11-point, 15-rebound double-double.

In the closest game of the day, Lithuania were able to hold on to win against Germany 55-54 in Group B. Lithuania led for 36:37 and by as many as 12 points, as Germany kept things close, but they weren't able to get over the hump.

Sintija Aukstikalnyte put up 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 steals for the victors.

Spain also grabbed their first win in Group B in dominant fashion over Slovenia, 87-33. All 12 players scored for Spain, led by Lucía Martinez Lopez who finished with 16 points, and Carla Osma Cruz who led in efficiency rating (22) with 10 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals.

Belgium secured a 1-0 start in Group C after taking down Latvia 67-63 behind 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks from Kyra Bruyndoncx. She was one of four players to score in double figures for Belgium.

Hosts Portugal started their tournament on a high note in the group, holding off Poland for a narrow 56-53 win. Portugal's 1.98 m / 6'6" center Clara Sofia Vieitas Ferreira Da Silva put up a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds along with 5 blocks.

Two of the widest margins of victory on Day 1 both came from Group D, as they were 43-point and 32-point margins.

Czech Republic blew past Denmark 81-38 in an all-around team effort, as all 12 players scored, and they all scored at least 4 points. 

France dominated Greece 72-40 behind five players who scored at least 8 points. France held big advantages in points from turnovers (22-3) and fast break points (24-4).

FIBA