While the Division "A" U-18 European Championship is held in Vilnius (Lithuania), the Division "B" tournament started also today, but in Tel-Aviv (Israel). The two teams that will play the big final will promote to Division "A", a great prize for them. In this first day Montenegro beat Austria (89-57) in the easiest victory of the opener. Nemanja Djurisic ('92) led balcanic squad with 22 points and 6 rebounds in only 26 minutes, while Carlos Novas ('92), borned in Santo Domingo, finished as the best scorer of austrians with 14 points and 5/9 FG. In the other game of group D Estonia beat Georgia (59-55). Forward Janari Jöesaar ('93) wasn't too much for georgians, scoring 21 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Merab Bakolishvili ('92) poured 15 points with 2/4 threes at the losing effort side.
In group A Czech Republic, one of the favorites, started beating Switzerland (74-85) and with Michal Sotnar ('92) flirting with the triple-double: 18 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds. Michel Nzege ('92), the best scorer of all the games, wasn't enough even his 25 points and 12/15 twos. Swiss squad is without Stefan Petkovic ('92) because the guard is with the senior NT. In the other game Netherlands beat Finland (65-80). Benjamin Ime Jegen ('92) was the key of the win with 19 points and 8 boards, while Osku Heinonen ('92) nailed 11 struggling in the shot (3/11 FG).
Let's check group B. Belgium had an easy start after winning Hungary by 22 points (77-55). Obasohan Ojomoh ('93) led the winners with 15 points and 7/9 twos. At the other side Mate Meszaros ('92) nailed 15 dishing 6 assists. In the other contest Portugal beat Bosnia and Herzegovina (61-73). Rafael Wildner ('92) finished as the best scorer of portuguese with 15 points and 7 rebounds and Ernad Mujic ('92) did the same for balcanics with 16 points and 2 blocks.
Finally in group C the other team that comes from Division "A", Israel, beat England (57-71). Sean Labanowski ('92) scored 20 points with 8/12 twos against a team where Devon Van Oostrum ('93) was missing. For brits guard Joshua Owen-Thomas ('92) scored 17 points with 8 rebounds. In the other game Belarus beat Denmark (72-60) with Vitali Liutych ('92), one of the most interesting prospects in Tel Aviv, pouring 17 points and pulling down 6 rebounds. At danish side Christian Benzon ('93) scored 15 with 5 rebounds.
Photo: FIBA Europe
