LJUBLJANA / TEL AVIV (Slovenia / Israel) - Latvia headlined a stunning and eventful opening day of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 by beating tournament favorites Spain, while Belgium set a new all-time assists record.

Latvia claim famous win against favorites Spain in Group A

There were scenes of celebration after the final buzzer in Tel Aviv as Latvia made it a night to remember by taking a pulsating 67-63 Group A win against Spain. 

A three-pronged assault formed the basis for a brilliant start as Kitija Laksa fired 17 points, including the deal-breaking triple in the closing moments. Anete Steinberga led by example with a team-high 22 points, while Aleksa Gulbe added a smart 14 points and 7 boards.

In what was always destined to be a crunch encounter, Montenegro moved past Greece 74-69 in a smart team performance that was led by a super double-double from Dragana Zivkovic and a do-it-all contribution from Natasha Mack. The former accumulated a superb 15 points and 14 rebounds, while Mack recorded 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks. 

Czech Republic stun Italy; Belgium soar past Israel and set new record

Czech Republic recorded a pulsating 61-58 triumph against Italy to defy pre-tournament predictions and blow open Group B from the outset. Despite missing some of their big guns to injury, they came roaring back from a 14-point deficit to record a stunning victory.

In what was a super team effort, Eliska Hamzova and Petra Holesinska shared 28 points, while captain Renata Brezinova led by example with 12 points and 7 boards.

"Italy went on a run in the third quarter, but we never gave up - it was a total team effort," said Holesinska.

"I feel we did a great job guarding Zandalisini. For me, it was the heart - we stuck with it and we played for each other - that's how we got the win," she added.

In the same group, Belgium made it an opening day to forget for co-hosts Israel as they posted a one-sided 108-59 victory.

The Cats also set a new high tide mark as they beat the previous competition's best 35 assists in a game by passing the rock 37 times -  8 of those came from the hands of Julie Allemand. Emma Meesseman led the way with a towering 23 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals, while Laure Resimont enjoyed her best ever game in a national team jersey with 22 points.

Great Britain crash opening day party in Ljubljana, France lock down Germany

There was disappointment for Slovenia as Great Britain didn't read the script by coming back from an early horror show to win 76-71 in Group C. Trailing 29-11, they worked their way back to victory behind a stunning double-double of 15 points and 14 boards from Kristine Anigwe, while Holly Winterburn excelled with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Teja Oblak was unfortunate to be on the losing side with 25 points, while teenager Ajsa Sivka finished the game with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists.

In the other game in the Group, France suffocated Germany 58-50 to spoil their opponents return to the competition after an 11-year gap. Valeriane Vukosavljevic led the way with 11 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds.

Late surge helps Hungary see off Slovakia; defending champs ease out Turkey

Hungary are up and running at the first time of asking in Group D in Ljubljana after they completed an 89-67 success against Slovakia. With the game tied up at 55-55, they outscored their opponents 21-1 to race out of sight.

Debora Dubei put in a true captain's display with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, while Cyesha Goree played the cameo with 16 points and 7 boards.

Meanwhile, Serbia got the defense of their cherished title off to a positive start as they moved past Turkey 71-63. Yvonne Anderson paced the win with 17 points and 5 assists, while Teaira McCowan top scored Turkey with 12 points.

Daily Highs

Efficiency: 31 - Emma Meesseman (BEL)
Points: 25 - Teja Oblak (SLO)
Rebounds: 14 - Kristine Anigew (GBR), Dragana Zivkovic (MNE)
Assists: 8 - Cecilia Zandalasini (ITA), Julie Allemand (BEL)
Steals: 4 - Multiple players
Blocks: 3 - Natasha Mack (MNE)

Day 1: Results

Group A (Tel Aviv)

Montenegro 74-69 Greece 
Latvia 67-63 Spain 

Group B (Tel Aviv)

Italy 58-61 Czech Republic 
Belgium 108-59 Israel 

Group C (Ljubljana)

Great Britain 76-71 Slovenia 
Germany 58-50 France 

Group D (Ljubljana)

Slovakia 67-89 Hungary 
Turkey 63-71 Serbia 

FIBA