PODGORICA (FIBA U20 Women's European Championship Division B 2016) - Romania ruthless defence gave them their opening win, while Lithuania, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Croatia all cruised to wins.

Belarus were a point behind after the first 10 minutes, losing the quarter 15-14 but Volha Padabed's girls could not find the answer for Romania's defence in the second period as Paula Lenart sparked a 10-0 run for Romania to give them a 25-14 lead at the half.

Romania won the game 47-39 led by Kincso Kelemen's 12 points. Ana Ferariu and Vasilica Cuzic combined for 22 points for the winning team. Maryia Miasnikova connected on 4-of-10 attempts from behind the arc to finish with 12 points for the losing team.

Croatia joined Romania at the top of Group B with Tihana Stojsavljevic needing just 22 minutes to give Croatia 21 points and nine rebounds in a 76-47 win over Bulgaria. Klaudia Perisa finished with 14 and Iva Slonjsak added 13 more for Ivan Mehes' team. Croatia collected 30 offensive rebounds compared to 38 overall for Bulgaria. Teodora Dineva was the best Bulgarian player with 17 points.

Czech Republic held Ukraine to 12 second half points and won their opening game 78-34 in Group A. Petra Holesinska played 17:38 minutes, shot 10-of-13 from the field, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, to lead her team with 24 points. Michaela Gaislerova finished with 17 points for the winners who forced Ukraine into giving up 33 turnovers.

Group C saw Lithuania run away from Great Britain in the second quarter. Lithuania won the period 20-7 to take control of the game and eventually enjoyed a 61-42 win. The battle for rebounds was the key. as Lithuania grabbed 55 boards, 17 more than their rivals, who shot just 15-of-64 from the field. Laura Juskaite led four players in double figures with 12 points.

Slovenia cruised to an 85-57 win over Ireland. Damir Grgic gave all 12 of his players an opportunity - all 12 of them replied with at least a point to their name. Larisa Ocvirk, Dora Mlakar and Annamaria Prezelj combined for 40 Slovenian points. Slovenia had 60 rebounds, compared to 36 for Ireland, and connected on 8-of-18 three-pointers. The ball was moving well for the Slovenian offence, with 23 assists on the day. Aoife Catherine Whelan scored 14 points for Ireland.  

FIBA