Finns, Germany Get Wins


Finland rebounded from their opening day setback to Great Britain to defeat Norway while Portugal won for the second game in a row at the U20 European Championship Division B in Targu Mures, Romania.

The Finns used a strong second quarter as the platform for a 99-87 triumph over their Nordic neighbors.

When Miilah Kombat, who had 17 points and 14 rebounds for the Norwegians, went up for a lay-up with a minute and a half into the second quarter, his team held a 28-23 advantage.

The momentum swung to Finland immediately after.

A Larry Pounds basket started an 11-0 run that put Finland in front for the rest of the way.

Norway managed to stay within striking distance, though, and a Terrence Oglesby jumper closed the gap to 63-60 with less than two minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Finland then reeled off seven straight points to seize command for good.

They went on top by as many as 20 points in the fourth quarter before winning by 12.

Tiago Pinto had 15 points and also came up with four steals to fire Portugal to a 73-62 triumph over the Brits (1-1).

Britain trailed 28-20 but finished the second quarter on a 16-2 run to hold a 36-30 advantage at half-time.

The Portuguese trailed by as many as nine in the third quarter but fought back and tied the game at 46-46 at the end of the period after a three-ball from Pedro Pereira.

They outscored Britain 27-16 over the final 10 minutes for the win.

In Group B, the Czech Republic destroyed Ireland 98-42 and Germany overpowered Sweden 90-64.

The other action was in Group C with Belgium blowing out Slovakia 75-47 and Estonia defeating Austria 93-86.


Germany Capture Division B Gold11.08.2008
Germany, Belgium Win Promotion10.08.2008
Unbeaten Germany, Belgium Storm Into Semi-Finals 08.08.2008
Germans, Belgians Remain Undefeated07.08.2008
Romania Fall To Netherlands06.08.2008
Unbeaten Portugal Survive Tough Challenge By Finns05.08.2008
Titus Nicoara Shines As Romania See Off Hungary04.08.2008