| 10.08.2008
Germany and Belgium each clinched promotion to the U20 European Championship for Men on Saturday. The two sides will go head to head 24 hours later in a battle for Division B gold in Targu Mures, Romania. Robin Benzing poured in 18 points as the Germans remained unbeaten with a 77-65 triumph over Estonia. Benzing and Co took command in the second quarter when they outscored the Baltic country 20-11 for a 39-28 lead at half-time. The Estonians cut the deficit to eight early in the third quarter but got no closer. Belgium also stayed undefeated but they had a much tougher time with Sweden, winning 70-67. The Swedes got a great game from Jeffery Taylor (19 points, 14 rebounds) and led 65-64 with less than three minutes to go. Olivier Troisfontaines buried a jump shot and Boris Penninck added two free throws to put Belgium in front by three. Sweden's Christian Koutras replied with a jump shot to cut the deficit to 68-67 with 55 seconds left, only for B. Hockins Munda Mawejanangila to make two free throws a couple of seconds from the end. Coutras put up a desperation heave in an attempt to force overtime but missed. Mawejanangila led Belgium with 18 points. Sweden and Estonia will now fight it out for third place. |