Bosnia and Herzegovina win comeback thriller in OT, Germany shine on Day 1

SAMSUN (FIBA U18 European Championship 2016) – Bosnia and Herzegovina came back from a 20-point deficit to win an overtime thriller over Israel while Germany showed why they are one of the overwhelming favourites with a dominant win over Finland on Day 1 at the FIBA U18 European Championship 2016. 

The Bosnians had trouble with turnovers the whole game in Group C but ended up erasing Israel's 20-point second quarter lead and pulled ahead in the fourth quarter. But Israel's Michael Brisker nailed a three-pointer with 0.9 seconds left in regulation to force overtime, where the Bosnian team prevailed 103-102.

Dzanan Musa collected 24 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals and Amar Gegic chipped in a near triple-double of 14 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists to go with Sani Campara's 23 points as the Bosnians survived 32 turnovers.

Israel were unable to capitalise on 30 points from Amit Ebo while Yovel Zoosman added 23 points in the loss. 

The other Group C game saw Lithuania prevail in a showdown with neighbours Latvia 62-50. Tadas Sedekerskis collected 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks while Gytis Masiulis had a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. 

Latvia lost despite 16 points from Kristers Zoriks and double-doubles from Arturs Strautins (15 points and 11 rebounds) and Roberts Blumbergs (11 and 12).

Germany poured it on starting in the second quarter and raced past Finland 92-63 in Group B. Kostja Mushidi led the way with 18 points and 6 assists while six other Germans had at least 8 points. Finland got 13 points from Edon Maxhuni in the loss. 

The other Group B game saw Turkey get four free throws in the final 10.6 seconds from Omer Al to ice an 82-78 win over Greece. The Turkish captain paced the hosts with 21 points to go with 3 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals. Greece were unable to use 18 points, 7 rebounds and 6 steals from Michail Lountzis. 

Group A saw Spain and Italy pick up opening day wins over Croatia and Sweden respectively.

Spain got some hot three-point shooting late in pulling away for a 74-62 victory over Croatia with Aleix Font scoring 21 points and Sergi Martinez picking up 17 points and 9 rebounds. 

After leading by just three points at the break, Italy dominated the second half in a 75-56 win over Sweden. Davide Moretti led the way for the Italians with 13 points and 6 assists. 

The favourites in Group D both were less than convincing as France barely finished off Russia and Serbia regularly found themselves behind Slovenia.

France did build a 17-point lead in the third quarter only to see Russia make it close before Les Bleus won 53-48. Frank Ntilikina and Adam Mokoka led France with 8 points. Russia wasted an 18-point showing from Agasiy Tonoyan. 

Serbia used a strong fourth quarter to overcome a lacklustre performance in a 68-60 win over Slovenia. Aleksa Radanov scored 23 points, and Borisa Simanic (18 points and 13 rebounds) and Stefan Djordjevic (10 points and 11 rebounds) both picked up double-doubles.

Gaber Ozegovic scored 14 points to pace Slovenia, who led for more than 23 minutes compared to Serbia's nearly 13 minutes ahead.

Follow the action live throughout the day on the FIBA U18 European Championship live feed. 

Friday's results:

Spain 74-62 Croatia

Bosnia and Herzegovina 103-102 (OT) Israel

Italy 75-56 Sweden 

Latvia 50-62 Lithuania 

Turkey 82-78 Greece

France 53-48 Russia

Germany 92-63 Finland

Serbia 68-60 Slovenia 

 

 

 

FIBA