Final is set: Hosts Serbia last hurdle to keep Spain from three-peat
NIS (Serbia) - The Final of the FIBA U18 European Championship 2023 is set and Serbia will take on Spain as the hosts aim to keep the reigning champs from completing a three-peat. Meanwhile, Germany hope for their first podium finish in the competition as they take on France in the Third Place Game.
Stay up to date with the tournament and check out the latest results, group standings and competition system for all the information you need.
Key Storylines
- Spain scored just 5 points in the opening quarter, but came back to defeat France and close within one victory a three-peat and sixth title;
- Hosts Serbia end German hopes, will play Spain for fifth crown;
- Germany face France for third place, Germany's would-be first-ever U18 podium ;
- Czech Republic relegated; Poland, Denmark still alive
Top Performers
The top performance of the day came from Johan Munch, who registered an efficiency of 32 in Denmark's crucial Classification 13-16 win. He collected 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting and 1-of-2 free throws, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks against Finland.
Mehmet Efe Demirel had a monster double-double of 22 points on 7-of-13 shots and 8-of-10 free throws and 19 rebounds to go with 1 steal for an efficiency of 31 for Turkey in their win over Slovenia.
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Just like Munch, Szymon Nowicki also kept his country Poland alive in the fight against relegation with an efficiency of 31 against Czech Republic in Classification 13-16 action. Nowicki tallied 22 points on 10-of-17 shots, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks.
Nowitzki ❌ Nowicki ✅
— NextGen Hoops (@NextGenHoops) July 29, 2023
Poland's big man Szymon Nowicki did not waste any time on the court 🔥
📊 22 PTS | 11 REB | 3 STL | 3 BLK | 2 AST | 31 EFF #FIBAU18Europe pic.twitter.com/BokPEQUw0m
Francesco Ferrari of Italy was just behind with an efficiency of 29 in their win over Lithuania. The forward scored 19 points on 8-of-12 shots and 0-of-2 free throws and added 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks.
Last but not least is Peter Bandelj of Slovenia with a 27 efficiency in the loss to Turkey. He poured in 25 points on 8-of-16 shooting and 8-of-10 free throws and added 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.
Results of the Day
Semi-Finals
France 58-70 Spain
Serbia 65-54 Germany
Classification 5-8
Slovenia 73-84 Turkey
Israel 88-77 Greece
Classification 9-12
Italy 89-87 Lithuania
Croatia 87-85 Sweden (OT)
Classification 13-16
Poland 69-50 Czech Republic
Denmark 92-70 Finland
FIBA
