HERAKLION (Greece) - Italy and Lithuania wil battle it out for the FIBA U20 EuroBasket crown in the Sunday's Final in Heraklion. They earned that right by beating Serbia and France in the Semi-Finals matchups.
Two of three relegated teams are also known at this time with Ukraine and Finland booking their trip to the Division B event in 2026. Germany and Iceland will clash on Sunday to avoid joining them.
Stay up to date with the tournament and check out the latest results, bracket, and competition system for all the information you need.
Key Storylines
Italy survived late Serbia scare to return to the Final for the first time since 2013 title;
Lithuania advanced to the Final after upsetting back-to-back reigning champs France;
Germany fend off Finland, Israel beat Ukraine to send them to Division B.
Semi-Finals
Italy continued their fairytale and won a 85-78 success over previously unbeaten Serbia to reach the Final - their first title bout in 12 years, since they claimed the title in Tallinn - their last podium finish at the FIBA U20 EuroBasket altogether.
After quickly annulling Serbia's early lead, Italy took a six-point advantage to the half-time break and then separated themselves with 12 unanswered points in the third quarter to build the lead to 19. With that difference early in the fourth quarter things were looking dim for Serbia, but a final push ensued - a big run that put them in the reach with 73-69 and just over three minutes of play.
Italy, however, maintained their focus and got through the finish line first led by Francesco Ferrari's 21 points, whereas Leonardo Marangon added 18.
Their opponents in Heraklion will be Lithuania who pulled off a major upset and beat back-to-back reigning champions France 81-71. Lithuania will shoot for their third title and secured their first podium since 2022 when they were runners-up in Montenegro.
It was a close encounter that could have gone either way; none of the teams were leading with more than 12 points and France spent majority of the first half ahead. However, after 42-40 at the midpoint Lithuania raced out in the third, going on a 8-0 run and eventually building a nine-point cushion to enter the final 10 minutes of play. France attempted a comeback but couldn't quite make it nearer than five-point reach.
Lithuania kept their composure and marched through to the 81-71 win and the Final.
Mantas Juzenas was the star of the show for Lithuania, shooting the light out with the most impressive seven made three-pointers for 21 points and 5 rebounds. Justas Stonkus added 16 points and 6 rebounds for the victors as Roman Domon tallied 15 on the losing side.
Top Performers
Iceland's Kristjan Ingolfsson was the hero in an 88-67 win over Ukraine that saw Iceland avoid relegation, at least for now. The sharpshooter knocked down four three-pointers on his way to 27 points, also grabbing 5 rebounds and a big defensive impact with 5 stolen possessions for an efficiency of 33, highest of the day.
Serbia did not succeed in their late push and fell to Italy 85-78 in the Semi-Finals, but Luka Savanovic was none to blame with 25 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and a near-perfect 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc. Serbia will hope he can bring that same game to the battle for the bronze medal.
Even though Finland came agonizingly close but still lost to Germany 82-81 and fell to Division B, Aaron Ekwere had himself a nice individual performance. Surely he would trade all of his 25 points, 5 steals and 3 assists for a win and staying in the Division A, but alas.
On the other side of that very game Jared Grey of Germany has a double reason to celebrate; Germany avoided relegation for now and Gray showed a decent performance of 17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 dimes and 3 steals for an efficiency of 26.
As Czechia beat Romania 75-61 to enter the battle for the ninth place, Milan Stranel dominated in the paint with a double-double of 17 points, 14 rebounds and an efficiency rating of 25. All that in less than 23 minutes on the field.
Results of the Day
Semi-Finals
Italy 85-78 Serbia Lithuania 81-71 France
Classification 5-8
Israel 80-69 Spain Slovenia 60-82 Greece
Classification 9-12
Romania 61-75 Czechia Poland 81-64 Belgium
Classification 13-16
Iceland 88-67 Ukraine Germany 82-81 Finland
Final
Italy vs Lithuania
Third Place Game
Serbia vs France
Classification 5-6
Israel vs Greece
Classification 7-8
Spain vs Slovenia
Classification 9-10
Czechia vs Poland
Classification 11-12
Romania vs Belgium
Classification 13-14
Iceland vs Germany
Classification 15-16
Ukraine vs Finland
FIBA