SOPRON (FIBA U20 Women's European Championship) - Sevara Nuritdinova lit up the highlights reel in a big way on the first day of the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship to help Russia win a thriller.

Trailing by as many as 14 points to Germany, who were making their return to the top tier after winning Division B last summer, Nuritdinova was the difference-maker as she inspired a nail-biting 72-67 success. As well as hitting a dagger triple, she also handed out a number of sweet assists.

That denied Germany and their standout star Satou Sabally, who did everything she could to inspire her team to victory.

The Oregon NCAA star harvested a mammoth 19 points and 16 rebounds, - showing her class throughout the contest and causing the Russia defense a lot of problems.

Meanwhile, the main theme of the day was derby wins, as Spain were victorious in the battle of the Iberian Peninsula, outlasting Portugal 43-57. 

There was also a hard-fought 65-72 derby success for Serbia as they outlasted Slovenia, thanks mainly to the 9-of-14 shooting effort of Mina Djordjevic who harvested 18 points. Netherlands came out on top in the battle of the Low Countries by beating neighbors Belgium 59-83 as Laura Westerik erupted for 28 points.

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