TAMPERE (Finland) - Undefeated Slovenia came up clutch to avoid a big upset, while Ben Saraf wrote history with the 11th 40-point game in FIBA U18 EuroBasket history as the Quarter-Finals pairings were set on Wednesday.
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Key Storylines
Slovenia avoid elimination in an overtime drama, erasing late six-point deficit;
Saraf provides first 40-point game of the competition since 2010 to upset Spain;
Belgium overcome 13-point hole against Greece to earn their place in the last eight.
Top Performers
Israel were perhaps not the favorite against Spain, but Ben Saraf's masterclass ensured they progressed in a 102-89 triumph. The young starlet dominated the court with 40 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists for the highest efficiency of 40.
Hannes Steinbach was without a doubt Germany's leading force in an 80-74 win over Denmark that pushed them into the last eight. The power forward put up yet another big double-double of 25 points and 17 rebounds, paired up with 2 steals.
Croatia fell 91-66 to Sweden, mainly because of Julius Price's monstrous performance of 26 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds which was more than enough to earn him a second entry into the Top Performers lineup.
Slovenia was on the brink of elimination to Latvia, but Zak Smrekar was having none of it. The hero of the game came up with a game-tying three-pointer to force overtime, only a part of his big 23-point performance. He also put up 8 assists and 7 rebounds in a massive 91-85 success.
Lithuania got the 94-85 victory against Italy powered by Kasparas Jakucionis. The wingman scored 21 points on perfect 5-of-5 shooting for two, also adding 5 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists into the mix.
Results of the Day
Sweden 91-66 Croatia Germany 80-74 Denmark Slovenia 91-85 Latvia Italy 85-94 Lithuania France 92-58 Türkiye Serbia 81-67 Finland Spain 89-102 Israel Belgium 66-62 Greece
Quarter-Finals Pairings
Germany vs Lithuania Sweden vs Slovenia France vs Israel Serbia vs Belgium
Classification 9-16
Türkiye vs Spain Greece vs Finland Croatia vs Latvia Denmark vs Italy
FIBA