SKOPJE (North Macedonia) - Austria and hosts North Macedonia secured a spot in the Final of the 2024 FIBA U18 EuroBasket, Division B whilst also earning their promotion to the Division A next summer.
The hosts proved to be a much better opponent in the first Semi-Finals with a comfortable 92-68 win over Bulgaria. It was a close encounter only in the first quarter as North Macedonia soon built up a 15-point lead at the half.
If there was any doubt after Bulgaria won the third period, it was erased with North Macedonia rushing over with a 20-0 run in that time stretch. Anastasij Trajanov was the leading name among the victors with 17 points and 11 rebounds, as Nikola Janichikj also scored 17.
Meanwhile, Austria overcame their slow start to beat Poland 88-75. The Poles had led throughout much of the first half and had a one-point lead at the break, but Austria overturned it quickly in the second half and separated themselves with a 12-0 run in the fourth.
Fynn Schott provided a masterclass of 25 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks as Imran Suljanovic sinked four three-pointers on his way to 28 points and 4 rebounds. Austria and North Macedonia earn their promotions, as Poland and Bulgaria will battle it out for the third spot on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Montenegro and Switzerland set their showdown for the fifth place with victories over Czechia - 95-62, and Portugal 68-67, respectively.
Final
Austria vs North Macedonia
Third Place Game
Poland vs Bulgaria
FIBA