U19 WC Day 1: Hungary make history with first win, Spain steamroll Canada

DEBRECEN (Hungary) - The FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2023 tipped off with history as hosts Hungary captured their first-ever win in the competition during an opening day that also included Spain storming past Canada and United States rolling debutants Madagascar.

Hungary please Debrecen crowd with history-making win

The fans in Debrecen were treated to the best opening day possible as their beloved Hungary downed Korea 85-59 in Group D.

Hungary's defense shined in holding the Asians to just 29 percent shooting and the home side took the rebound battle 54-21. Peter Csataljay tallied 18 points and Robert Meszlenyi collected 8 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists as Hungary opened a 12-point lead after 10 minutes and never looked back.

"It’s stunning. I can’t even realize it right now what we did today. It means everything. I have worked every day for this," Csataljay said after the win.

Spain don't give Canada any chance

Spain showed their class as the reigning U18 European champions thrashed Canada 83-56 in the top Group A game of the opening day. Spain held Canada to just 1-of-18 shooting in the first quarter and the North Americans converted under 27 percent from the field.

Izan Almansa

Izan Almansa was Spain's top scorer with 17 points and 8 rebounds and Lucas Langarita picked up 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Michael Nwoko scored 18 points in the losing effort.

"We know that Canada is a great team and we have another game against France tomorrow. We have to keep going because it will be tough. Our mentality is always defense and make sure that the other doesn't score many points and we did that," said Rafael Villar, who added 14 points and 4 assists.

Top Performers: who did it best on Day 1?

 

 

Madagascar shown U19 World Cup reality by USA in debut

Omaha Biliew

Two-time defending champions United States welcomed Madagascar to their first U19 World Cup with exhibition of the elite level in a 136-69 blowout win in Group B.

Tre Johnson tallied 21 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals to pace seven Americans in double figures including Mark Armstrong's 19 points. USA blew the game open in the second quarter with a 40-17 scoreline.

"We came out and dominated like we wanted to for four quarters ... We know that we always have a target on our back. We just came out and dominated from the jump. We didn't take them lightly, which was good," Johnson said.

Mathias M'Madi led all scorers with 28 points but also had 9 of the 25 turnovers by the World Cup debutants. Jerry Rabibisoa will go down in Madagascar history as scoring the country's first U19 World Cup points with a three-pointer.

"It's the first ever game in a World Cup in Madagascar history. We gave it our maximum. We played the best team in the first round which was not an advantage for us, but we gave our best. Still, it showed us the level from the beginning that we will face," M'Madi said.

Santos carries returnees Brazil past Japan 

Brazil marked their return to the U19 World Cup with a convincing 94-73 victory as the South Americans played their first game since 2013.

Reynan Santos

Brazil crushed Japan on the glass 59-30 including 20 offensive rebounds for a 22-3 advantage in second chance points. Reynan Santos was Brazil's top scorer with 22 points while Yuto Kawashima poured in 30 points for Japan, who lost leader Akira Jacobs in the second quarter with a thigh injury.

 

Highlight of the day

  

Photo of the day

Mark Armstrong tried a through the legs dunk during the game

Other results: 

- Slovenia used a 13-1 close to the game for a 74-58 win over Lebanon in Group B thanks to 20 points from Jan Vide.
- Serbia never trailed in a comfortable 74-59 victory over Egypt in Group C action. Ilija Milijasevic had 16 points for the winners. 
- Turkey took the driver's seat for first place in Group D with a 79-67 victory over Argentina. Samet Yigitoglu scored 16 points and Berke Buyuktuncel contributed 11 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks.
- France struggled to put China away but won 83-63 in Group A with a 27-9 fourth quarter. Melvin Ajinca led the way with 18 points.

 

 FIBA