LJUBLJANA (Slovenia) - The FIBA U20 EuroBasket got underway with exhilarating battles, highlighted by Lithuania winning the Baltic derby, Croatia edging Greece and the holders dropping their opener.
Stay up to date with the tournament and check out the latest results, group standings and competition system for all the information you need.
Key Storylines
Lithuania overcome Baltic neighbors Latvia in their opener;
Germany comfortably see-off holders Italy;
Hosts Slovenia begin with a win.
Top Performers
Serbia began their FIBA U20 EuroBasket campaign with a convincing 84-67 victory over Poland, as Nikola Dzepina took the plaudits. He finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds for a dominant double-double, as well as adding 3 blocks to his tally.
Last year's runners-up Lithuania got off to the best possible start as Jobubas Rudaitis shone in their 104-78 win over Latvia in the Baltic derby. The forward had 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 steals in a superb display, that sealed an opening day triumph.
Host nation Slovenia started off on the right foot with a 77-54 success over Czechia in a balanced scoring effort. The head of the table was point guard Mark Padjen, who filled the stat sheet with 11 points, 4 boards, 8 assists and 5 steals, causing havoc for the Czechs all game long.
Germany’s Daniel Biel stuck the dagger into the holders, Italy, with a double-double to help his side to a resounding 85-67 win in the tournament’s opening game. Biel had 17 points, 10 rebounds, along with 3 assists to give the Germans the perfect start in Group A.
Despite the resounding loss to Lithuania, Martin Kilups had a strong showing for Latvia, as he went for 27 points, going 5-for-8 from beyond the arc. Kilups also pulled down 3 rebounds and got 2 steals.
Results of the Day
Group A
Italy 67-85 Germany Türkiye 57-79 France
Group B
Serbia 84-67 Poland Latvia 78-104 Lithuania
Group C
Belgium 58-81 Spain Croatia 69-64 Greece
Group D
Slovenia 77-54 Czechia Romania 68-78 Israel
FIBA