Germany Dominates Bulgaria at FIBA U18 EuroBasket
Germany sent a resounding message at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket, demolishing Bulgaria 104-58. Holding a slim six-point lead at halftime (43-49), the Germans unleashed a decisive 26-3 run in the third quarter to build an insurmountable 29-point advantage entering the final period. Their dominance was underpinned by a staggering 56-26 rebounding advantage and a potent offensive display, shooting 48% from the field and knocking down 11 three-pointers. The German bench proved exceptionally potent, contributing 66 points to Bulgaria's meagre 10 bench points. Despite Kristiyan Zanov's 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks, and Kaloyan Kolev's 14 points, Bulgaria struggled to keep pace. Dusan Ilic spearheaded Germany's attack with 18 points and 6 assists, complemented by Paul-Julius Plato's 14 points and 5 rebounds, and Leonard Kroger's double-double of 10 points and 11 boards, with all three coming off the bench. This emphatic victory provides significant momentum for Germany in the tournament.