Spain impress on opening day as Hungary down hosts; Villa stars for Italy

KLAIPEDA / VILNIUS (Lithuania) - Eight teams began their FIBA U20 Women's European Championship with wins on Day 1, including defending champs Spain and Hungary, who took down hosts Lithuania.

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Key Storylines

- Spain dominant as they begin quest to repeat as tournament champs
- Italy with two 20-point scorers in Matilde Villa and Sara Ronchi
- Hungary make statement against hosts Lithuania

Top Performers

The highest efficiency of 27 on Day 1 came from Matilde Villa of Italy, who put up 21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals, shooting 8-of-14 from the field in a win over Turkey.

Dunja Zecevic led Serbia to a 13-point comeback victory against Israel with 14 points, 18 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists on 5-of-10 shooting from the field for an efficiency of 25.

Belgium's Julia Franquin posted an efficiency of 22 after recording a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double to go along with 4 steals and 3 assists in a narrow four-point win over Latvia.

Franquin's teammate Nastja Claessens also had a productive day, turning in 18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals for an efficiency of 21.

The final spot on the top performers went to Claudia Soriano, as she was a key contributor in Spain's blow out of Montenegro, finishing with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals for an efficiency of 20.

Results of the Day

Group A

Portugal 83-68 Czech Republic
Israel 70-73 Serbia

Group B

Lithuania 34-72 Hungary
Finland 55-79 France

Group C

Sweden 67-63 Poland
Montenegro 38-80 Spain

Group D

Latvia 62-66 Belgium
Turkey 54-71 Italy

FIBA