SKOPJE (North Macedonia) - Estonia and Romania have every reason to celebrate after beating Belgium and Switzerland in the FIBA U16 EuroBasket 2024, Division B Semi-Finals, and thus earning the Division A promotion.
Romania had everything going their way in the first 20 minutes against Switzerland, but had to dig in deep in the second half for a 72-65 win. A 10-point lead at the end of the opening quarter soon became the game's biggest difference of 15 points in the second stanza, but the comeback ensued.
Switzerland cut the lead to 10 at the half and continued that way in the third by getting as close as 54-53 with 12 minutes to play.
However, Romania eventually pulled themselves together and went back to a seven-point cushion early in the fourth quarter. The difference remained in that area with 72-65 at the end. David-Ioan Rasoga starred with a near triple-double of 25 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists, while Sebastian-Iulian Boghean added 19 points and 9 rebounds.
Earlier, Estonia broke off the tie against Belgium in the third stanza after a close game in the first half which ended at 28-27. Belgium were held to only five points in that period with Estonia scoring 22 and erasing all doubts regarding the finalist and the team promoted on Friday.
The scoreboard showed 67-46 in Estonia's favor at the end with Sten Adamson providing a much needed offensive spark in an otherwise low-scoring game. Adamson put up 17 points and 6 rebounds as Kaspar Vuks added 12 points for the winners.
Elsewhere, Montenegro and Slovakia booked a showdown for fifth place after defeating Sweden and Netherlands, who will battle it out for the seventh spot. Hosts North Macedonia held off Portugal's efforts and advanced into the game for ninth against Hungary, who defeated Great Britain.
Final
Estonia vs Romania
Third Place Game
Belgium vs Switzerland
FIBA