FIBA Men U18: Division B semis are set

Division B 

Montenegro vs. F.Y.R. Macedonia, July 27

The Montenegrin U18 National Team snuck passed Israel in a 63:60 victory to claim the last slot in the Division B semis. Montenegro took control of the game in the first half. They were able to fend off Israel’s rally in the final quarter and hold on for the victory.

Montenegro was led by the efforts of Zoran Nikolic (208 cm) who came away with 14 points. Luka Djurovic (190 cm) and Vaso Milovic (193 cm) added 12 points apiece. Israel on the other hand were paced by their frontcourt with Idan Zalmanson (206 cm) and Nimrod Levi (204 cm) scoring 16 and 15 points repectively.

Montenegro is now slated to face FYR Macedonia on Saturday for their semifinals matchup on Saturday. The winner of that game will face the victor of the match between Poland and Belgium.

FYR Macedonia defeated the Netherlands 69:55 in dominant fashion. Kristjian Nikolov (187 cm) led Macedonia with 17 points. The key to victory came on the defensive end as the Macedonians held the Dutch squad to only 13 points in the fourth quarter.

Belgium vs. Poland, July 27

Poland caps off a 3-0 record in Group E with their victory over Estonia, 67:52. They piled on the points in the third quarter and Estonia was left staring an at a seemingly insurmountable 30-point deficit. The Polish squad was led by Damian Jeszke who scored 12 points for the game. Even with 25:10 run in the final quarter, Estonia could not muster enough to form an overwhelming rally. They were paced by Jaagup Russak (185 cm) who capped off the game with 16 points.

Belgium on the hand, ended up with a 2-1 record in Group F after defeating Sweden, 66:59. It was a must-win for either team in order to secure a slot into the semifinals. Belgium kept up a good pace and did not let Sweden come close enough to challenge their lead throughout the game. Vincent Kesteloot (200 cm) led Belgium with 15 points and six rebounds. Sweden’s Alexander Larsson led his team with 16 points of his own.