Spain begin EuroBasket defence with victory

By Dan Palmer
Friday, 1 September 2017

Spain started their title defence with victory ©FIBA

Holders Spain thrashed Montenegro 99-60 to begin their EuroBasket defence in style.

The reigning champions were far too strong in the Group C clash at Polyvalent Hall in Romanian city Cluj-Napoca.

Spain are hoping for a fourth EuroBasket title and stormed out of the blocks, leading 26-14 at the end of the first quarter.

They steadily extended their advantage as Willy Hernangómez top-scored with 18 points.

Elsewhere in the group, hosts Romania suffered disappointment as they lost their first match to the Czech Republic, 83-68.

Croatia were too strong for Hungary, 67-58.

Serbia began on a winning note against Latvia ©Getty Images

Group D also started today at the Ülker Sports Arena in Turkish city Istanbul.

The hosts were edged 76-73 by Russia to start the competition on a losing note.

World number three ranked Serbia defeated Latvia 92-82, while Belgium defeated Great Britain 103-90 in a high-scoring contest.

Matches will be played in all four groups tomorrow.

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