FIBA Europe U16: France and Montenegro reach final

The final of the FIBA Europe U16 Championship 2017 has been set and will be contested between France and Montenegro. The gold medal game will tip off on Saturday after France overcame Croatia and Montenegro took out Serbia in the final four on Friday. This is an important finale as it puts Montenegro in the showpiece game for the first time since Serbia and Montenegro won the title in 2003.

France is also a previous winner after its 2004 and 2014 successes. Both nations have surpassed expectations with their runs to the final.

Montenegro vs. Serbia, 73-66

Montenegro overcame Serbia in a derby clash at the FIBA Europe U16 on Friday. The nation is hosting the tournament this year and has used the home Podgorica crowd to its advantage all week. It was no different here as Montenegro used support to take charge in the middle quarters. Serbia led 20-21 through 10 minutes, but by the close of the third act the hosts had raced 60-46 in front. A minor comeback in the fourth was not enough for Serbia as Montenegro celebrated a famous victory.

Stefan Vlahovic paced the win with 21 points, while Jovan Kljajic doubled up with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Bojan Tomasevic also recorded a double-double with 12 points and 15 boards.

France vs Croatia, 83-60

France looked too strong for Croatia for most of the semi-final contest at the FIBA Europe U16. Les Bleus is in fine form and will head into Saturday’s gold medal game as the favourite on form. However, with Montenegro holding the home court, the game is open. In the last four, France Used a massive 25-9 second quarter to lead 38-24 through the long break. The momentum stayed with the French as they dominated the second half to victory.

Killian Hayes was good for 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in the win, while Theo Maledon secured 19 points.