Lithuania dominate OT to reach Semi-Finals, Greece recover from slow start

SKOPJE (North Macedonia) - Then there were four. France, Greece, Lithuania and Spain all advanced to the Semi-Finals at the FIBA U16 European Championship with wins on Wednesday.

Lithuania fought back from 13 points down in their 79-68 triumph over Turkey as they outscored their opponents 12-1 in the extra period. Mantas Laurencikas top scored with 23 points with Nojus Indrusaitis adding 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals.

The result saw Lithuania avenge their loss to Turkey at the same stage of the FIBA U18 European Championship earlier this month. Turkey had been on course for another trip to the Semi-Finals as they led 37-24 before Lithuania rallied with a 21-8 spell to level.

Salih Altuntas scored inside the final minute to tie the game at 67-67, but the extra period was one-way traffic as Lithuania took control to keep their title hopes alive.

Ben Avraham Saraf scored 30 points for Israel, but it was not enough to prevent Greece from booking their spot in the last four with a 75-67 victory. Neoklis Avdalas led the way in the win with a 29-point haul as Greece came back from 14 points down in the second half. 

Meanwhile, there will be a repeat of the 2019 Final as France and Spain had earlier set up a mouthwatering showdown in the Semi-Finals to take place on Friday.

Spain were convincing 87-68 winners over Slovenia as Mario Saint-Supery poured in 31 points to go with 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals. Jorge Carot added 16 points and 14 rebounds with another double-double of 16 points and 13 boards from Asier Miguel.

France had to battle past previously unbeaten Italy, in contrast, in securing an 84-77 victory behind a strong final quarter effort. The runners-up from three years ago trailed by 16 points inside the first half, but used a 27-6 run to take the lead and they took over in the fourth to prevail.

Noa Essengue finished with 22 points, Nolan Traore posted 19 points and 6 assists, while Mohamed Diakite contributed 12 points and 15 rebounds.

In the 9-16 Classification Games, hosts North Macedonia ensured they will be back in Division A next summer after a comfortable 83-64 win over Denmark as Nikola Janichikj netted 20 points.

Poland defeated Netherlands 80-65 despite 25 points from Dwayne Aristode, while Montenegro overcame Croatia in a 72-65 victory and Latvia edged out Serbia for a dramatic 78-76 triumph.

FIBA