SOPRON (Hungary) - Latvia edged out Serbia while title favorites France and Spain both lived up to the hype as the curtain was raised in Sopron on the first day of action at the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship.

France were too hot to handle for Netherlands and coasted to a powerful 72-49 Group A success, their defense suffocating their opponents.  Pauline Astier had 14 points and 5 assists, while Louise Bussiere top scored with 15 points. with 12 of them from behind the three-point line.

Spain also made a statement of intent as they smashed their way past Lithuania 80-40 in Group C. Their opponents also wilted under the defensive pressure and gave up an eye-popping 46 turnovers. The 6 steals of Mama Dembele summed up Spain's dominance, while her teammate Noa Maria Djiu netted 13 points.

Latvia were victorious in a dramatic Group D encounter with Serbia 65-64, managing to cling on for the win after a monster block in the closing seconds by Nikola Priede.

It was Marta Leimane who led the way with 15 points for Latvia, while Nevena Vuckovic claimed a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.

There was first night disappointment for hosts Hungary as they were outlasted 63-50 in Group A by Czech Republic, as the home side went a barren 1 of 20 from long range.  Valentyna Kadlecova and Eszter Madar had 12 points apiece for their respective teams.

Italy posted an impressive opening display as they shut down Sweden 62-47 in Group B. Ilaria Panzera posted one the of the best displays of the day.

Panzera (pictured) was not far from a quadruple-double with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 8 steals and 7 assists. Caterina Gilli had a team-high 16 points.

Also in Group B, Finland got it done during crunch time against Belgium. With the game tied up with just over a minute remaining they scored the last 7 points of the game to secure a 67-60 victory. Saama Kujala shone with 18 points.

Elsewhere,  Portugal eased past Ireland 68-47 after making a noise from downtown, led by four triples from Maria Leonor Goncalves. She harvested14 points. - a tally matched for Ireland by Ella O'Donnell.

Magdalena Szymkiewicz showed her class for Poland with a colossal 28 points and 6 assists as her team came alive late to move past Bulgaria 90-75 in Group C.  There was also a 20-point haul for Kamila Borkowska.

FIBA