Italy edge last year's champs in opening day thriller; Slovenia, Portugal make winning returns

KONYA (Turkey) - Eight teams started their FIBA U18 Women's European Championship on the right foot including Italy as they earned a thrilling victory over last year's champions Lithuania in the closest game of the opening day.

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

- Italy lose 15-point lead, but hold off Lithuania comeback

- Portugal claim first Div A win since 2015; Slovenia make statement

- Soltau with early tournament-high 25 points in Germany's win

Top Performers

Annika Soltau of Germany had the highest efficiency valuation with 32 on Day 1 of the competition after putting up 25 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists on 11-of-19 shooting in a 13-point win over Czech Republic.

Portugal's Clara Silva of Portugal finished with an efficiency valuation of 27 after stuffing the stat sheet with 21 points, 12 rebounds, 4 steals, 4 blocks and 3 assists on 8-of-18 shooting in a comfortable win over Belgium.

Meanwhile, Slovenia star Ajsa Sivka - who was MVP in Division B in 2022 - wrapped up her first game with an efficiency valuation of 26 thanks to putting up 17 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals, shooting 7-of-13 overall in the day's biggest margin of victory over Finland - winning by 30 points.

Marina Mata recorded 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting from the field to lead Spain to victory against Latvia. She also finished with an efficiency valuation of 26.

France forward Sarah Keboum Biamou led her team past Hungary to round out the day by recording 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field along with 12 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks.

Results of the Day

Group A

Lithuania 62-64 Italy
Portugal 66-51 Belgium

Group B

Turkey 71-47 Poland
Hungary 41-61 France

Group C

Latvia 50-78 Spain
Serbia 66-47 Israel

Group D

Czech Republic 76-89 Germany
Slovenia 84-54 Finland

FIBA