TRENTINO (Italy) - The FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2026 tipped off with some outstanding performances, an unlikely comeback and hosts Italy and reigning champions Spain both grabbing wins.
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Key Storylines
Israel rally from 9 points down with 90 seconds left in regulation, beat Greece in OT;
Joksimovic gets best of Stombergas in Slovenia win over Lithuania;
Hosts Italy, holders Spain pick up opening victories.
Top Performers
Israel and Greece went back and forth both losing double-digit leads, and in the end it was Israel who came out on top in overtime 93-84 in an absolute thriller. Greece could not slow down David Musis, who poured in 26 points with 4 three-pointers to go with 19 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 blocks - while teammate Aviv Aronov added 30 points.
Lithuania suffered an opening day loss in Italy, falling 83-76 to Slovenia in Group D. But that was not because of a lack of effort from their leading big man Ignas Stombergas. The center collected 27 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in the loss.
Slovenia for their part had four players score in double figures in their 83-76 win over Lithuania. Their main leader was Stefan Joksimovic, who totalled 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.
On the other end of the Israeli victory was the collapse of Greece, who lost their late lead and fell 93-84 in overtime. Alexandros Thomakos did all he could for Hellas with 16 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 1 block.
Türkiye rolled to an opening win as they downed Denmark 88-62, taking the second and third quarters by a combined score of 50-31. Erdinc Alex Koyun led the way for the Turks with 24 points on 12 of 18 shooting to go with 7 rebounds.
Results of the Day
Group A
Israel 93-84 (OT) Greece Austria 50-76 France
Group B
Slovakia 70-94 Serbia Türkiye 88-62 Denmark
Group C
Bulgaria 58-104 Germany Slovenia 83-76 Lithuania
Group D
Italy 89-67 Latvia Estonia 61-87 Spain
FIBA