Group A: Serbian Dominance and Turkish Efficiency
The action in Group A, staged in Riga, Latvia, began with a somewhat measured contest between the Czech Republic and Portugal. It wasn`t a highlight-reel extravaganza, but Portugal ultimately secured a 62-50 victory. Powering their efforts was the formidable presence of Neemias Queta, who proved to be a physical mismatch for the opposition, tallying an impressive 23 points on 73% shooting and grabbing 18 rebounds. Sometimes, raw power simply wins the day, even if it lacks theatrical flair.
Next up, Latvia, playing on home soil, faced a formidable Turkish squad. Despite the home crowd`s hopes, coach Banchi`s Latvian side struggled to contain a red-hot Turkey, eventually falling 93-73. Turkey`s offensive rhythm was undeniable, with Cedi Osman pouring in 20 points (60% from the field) and Alperen Sengun showcasing his all-around talent with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. When a team gets this hot from both inside and out, they become a truly difficult proposition.
However, the day’s most emphatic victory in Group A belonged to Serbia, who completely dismantled Estonia with a 98-64 rout. Leading the charge, as expected, was the inimitable Nikola Jokic. The reigning MVP flirted effortlessly with a near triple-double, notching 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. The game was effectively decided by halftime, a testament to Serbia`s overwhelming strength and a stark reminder of why they are widely considered the team to beat in this championship. They make winning look almost too easy, a subtle flex that sends a clear message to their competitors.
Group B: German Efficiency and Finnish Grit
Over in Tampere, Finland, Group B kicked off with Lithuania asserting its authority over Great Britain, securing a comfortable 94-70 win. Led by the commanding presence of Jonas Valanciunas (18 points, 9 rebounds), Lithuania demonstrated excellent defensive cohesion, restricting the British to a mere 33% from the field and dominating the rebounding battle 57-31. A classic case of suffocating defense and interior presence dictating the pace.
The much-anticipated clash between Montenegro and Germany lived up to its billing, at least in terms of German performance. The Germans delivered a statement 106-76 victory, showcasing their potent offense. The dynamic duo of Dennis Schroder and Franz Wagner combined for a staggering 43 points, dismantling Montenegro`s defense. Crucially, the sharpshooting of Andreas Obst (5/6 from beyond the arc) provided the essential perimeter threat that broke the game wide open in the third quarter. Germany’s approach was clinical, precise, and utterly ruthless, leaving no doubt about their ambitions.
The day`s most fiercely contested game, however, was a nail-biter between Sweden and home team Finland. In a back-and-forth affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Finland eventually managed to snatch a 93-90 victory. It was a true scoring duel between two star forwards, with Lauri Markkanen of Finland and Sweden`s Ludvig Hakanson both pouring in 28 points. Despite Hakanson`s valiant efforts, Sweden’s hopes for a comeback were dashed when Pantzar missed a crucial three-pointer at the buzzer. A tough loss for Sweden, but a testament to the competitive spirit thriving in Tampere.
Murray Blackwood