Thrilling win for Russia caps Day 1 in Sopron

SOPRON (FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship 2016) - Hosts Hungary and defending champions Spain got off to winning starts on the opening day of the FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship 2016.

The game of the day came at the end, with medal contenders Russia and Italy fighting out a tense battle that ended with Russia taking home the 52-49 victory. Raisa Musina nailed a fadeaway jumper and converted the free-throw to put Russia ahead down the stretch, and Italy could not answer. Musina ended with 13 points and 17 boards.

Turkey joined Russia with an opening-day Group B victory, thrashing Israel behind Selale Kepenc’s 17 points.

The hosts Hungary got off to a good start, pulling away in the fourth quarter to take a convincing win over Slovenia. France were even more dominant, with every player scoring in an impressive display against Croatia.

Defending champions Spain got their campaign off to a good start, despite a spirited Serbian comeback. Serbia recovered from a 14-point deficit to draw level in the fourth quarter, but Spain finished strongly to take the win.

Spain are joined atop Group C by Belgium, who beat Lithuania behind Laure Resimont’s 14 points.

Latvia started Group A with a strong display against Netherlands, buoyed by Digna Strautmane’s double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. Czech Republic overcame their local rivals Slovak Republic, led by 16 points apiece from Michaela Krejzova and Natalie Stoupalova.

For more on all of today's action, you can also go to the #FIBAU18Europe Live Feed.

Saturday’s results
Latvia beat Netherlands 66-35
Belgium beat Lithuania 71-56
Turkey beat Israel 80-43
France beat Croatia 88-37
Czech Republic beat Slovak Republic 58-44
Hungary beat Slovenia 77-48
Russia beat Italy 52-49
Spain beat Serbia 76-65

FIBA