TBILISI (Georgia) - Latvia fought back from a large double-digit deficit to beat Greece to bring an exciting opening day of FIBA U16 EuroBasket action to an end.
There were also wins for France, Spain, Slovenia, Lithuania, Türkiye, Italy and Serbia to kickstart their campaigns.
You can 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
Latvia come from 17 points down to topple Greece;
Holders France show no mercy on Switzerland;
Spain eventually get the better of hosts Georgia.
Top Performers
Greece started strongly, but ultimately faltered, losing 74-68 to Greece. Angelos Zoupas was outstanding as he poured in 28 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 4 blocks for an efficiency rating of 29, but couldn't save Greece from defeat.
Stefan Toader Banica recorded an impressive double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds for Romania in their Group D opener against Italy, for an efficiency rating of 22. However, his efforts couldn't help his side go down 105-69.
Italy had five players register double figures in their convincing win over Romania, with Leonardo Nicolodi leading the way. The talented guard scored 21 points, shooting 8-for-12 from the field, which included five three-pointers.
Reigning champions France sent a strong statement of intent as they ruthlessly dismissed Switzerland 101-36, with Paul Nnanga Ahanda pulling the strings at both ends. The Antibes guard filled the statsheet in just 13 minutes on the court, with 8 points on 4-for-5 shooting, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and a whopping 7 steals.
Türkiye was made to work hard for their 76-65 victory over Israel, but thanks to Omer Kutluay’s 25 points, they got the job done. Despite Kutluay's game-high, it was Darius Karutasu who stood out. The Anadolu Efes guard bagged himself a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds, as well as dishing out 4 assists.
Results of the Day
Group A Estonia 65-85 Lithuania Türkiye 76-65 Israel
Group B
Switzerland 36-101 France Finland 63-82 Slovenia
Group C
Georgia 73-98 Spain Germany 60-86 Serbia
Group D
Romania 69-105 Italy Latvia 74-68 Greece
FIBA