FIBA U18 European Championships Division C: Semis set
Andorra and Kosovo continued to set the pace in the FIBA U18 European Championships Division C on Tuesday. Both nations collected wins to stay undefeated in the competition through Day 5. However, these was plenty of other games too, with much to discuss.
Azerbaijan went big in its encounter against Monaco, collecting a comfortable win. Wales’ solid form in the FIBA U18 European Championships Division C was undone by a solid San Marino effort. The results at the end of Day 5 mean that the semifinal stage of the competition has now been locked. Azerbaijan, Andorra, Kosovo, and San Marino will play for the final.
Group A
Azerbaijan vs. Monaco, 79-61
Azerbaijan punched its ticket to the semifinal of the FIBA U18 European Championships Division C with a good win over Monaco. The team looked better throughout, building on its 20-13 first quarter to open a 38-29 lead through the long break. A massive 27-15 third act all but settled the game, allowing Azerbaijan to ease off in the fourth. There were three huge double-doubles in the winning ranks. Endar Poladkhanali scored 24 points and took 20 rebounds! Nijat Mammadii secured 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Akbar Mammadov grabbed 12 points and 16 boards.
Gibraltar vs. Andorra, 53-98
Andorra looked explosive in attack as it moved to the semifinal with an unbeaten record. The table toppers were hot for 30 points through the first quarter and by halftime led 30-52. That double digit lead was expanded through a 14-26 third act that made it 44-78 through thirty minutes. The game was a stroll through Q4 as Andorra claimed the easy win. Hugo Schneider grabbed 20 points in victory, followed by Alexis Bartoleme with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Group B
San Marino vs. Wales, 69-47
Wales has been solid in the tournament, but there was no repeat of the soccer heroics in the European Championships. Hosts San Marino was too strong and progressed to the semifinals of the FIBA U18 European Championships Division C. The Welsh only mustered 9 points in the first frame, which allowed San Marino to open a 7 point lead. The advantage was expanded over the next two stanzas and through three quarters San Marino led 54-40. The fourth act was a formality as San Marino eased down the straight.
Moldova vs. Kosovo, 58-116
Kosovo put on the show of the night and broke a century of points on the way to an unblemished group record and a place in the final four. The team drained 38 points in the first half and continued to dominate in the second frame with a 17-25 run. Through the long break the score was 32-63. The onslaught continued in the second half as Kosovo plundered 53 points and stopped Moldova at 26 points. Etnik Peci nailed 25 points, leading the win. Dion Haxhosaj doubled up with 10 points and 15 boards.