Hungary edge Norway to stay perfect, join Czech Republic atop Group C

SOFIA (FIBA U16 European Championship 2017, Division B) - Hungary remained unstoppable in the FIBA U16 European Championship 2017, Division B in Sofia, improving to a 2-0 record after another close-fought victory in Group C, while seven more teams also stayed on the straight and narrow on the second day of the tournament.

Hungary assumed a leadership role in the standings with a 63-51 victory over Norway thanks to an efficient and well-rounded performance from Peter Veraszto, who scored 10 points and was a defensive showstopper with 7 steals.

Czech Republic also moved to a 2-0 mark after edging Bosnia and Herzegovina 73-61 after taking command in the second half. In a battle of the previously winless teams, Ireland nipped Slovak Republic 54-49 after holding them to just 5 points in the final quarter to turn things around late.

Paced by captain Nikolaos Rogkavopoulos, who collected 16 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists, Greece stayed atop the Group A standings with a 77-60 victory against Belgium, after building an 18-point lead in the opening quarter.

Iceland also remained unbeaten after inscribing a 67-45 victory over Romania, while Belarus bounced back after their opening-day loss to Greece by nipping Switzerland 74-68 in a close-fought battle.

Tournament hosts Bulgaria stayed in pole position in Group B after registering a 77-68 comeback victory over Denmark after a slow start, with Konstantin Kostadinov's double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds leading the way.

Netherlands also continued their strong start by downing Poland 69-54 to stay undefeated. Meanwhile, Ukraine opened their victory count with a 67-46 win over Cyprus, who stayed rock bottom in the standings.

There was a lot less drama in Portugal's second-day victory over Luxembourg, as Alfonso Candeias stepped up with 25 points and 12 rebounds to guide the Portuguese side to an 85-55 win to move to a 2-0 record in Group D.

Great Britain stayed in the undefeated club with a 85-58 victory over Georgia, while the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia forced another close loss on Kosovo, edging their rivals 64-61 after taking command in the final quarter of play.

FIBA