Macedonia U16 routed by favourites Croatia, 112–57
Croatia overwhelmed North Macedonia 112–57 as the hosts failed to contain a decisive first-half and third-quarter run.
North Macedonia’s U16 cadet team suffered a heavy defeat against tournament favourites Croatia, losing 112-57 at the B‑Division European Championship hosted in Skopje and Gevgelija.
Game turned by Croatia’s bursts; Macedonia struggled to keep pace
The match opened evenly, but Croatia — coached by former Croatian star Roko Ukić — steadily pulled away by converting Macedonia’s mistakes into fastbreak points. After a 21-15 phase in the first quarter, Croatia produced a 15-0 run to extend the lead to 36-15. By halftime the score was 46-33 in favour of Croatia.
In the third quarter Croatia struck again, beginning with a 10-2 run that pushed the margin to 56-35 and left the Macedonian side unable to regain control. Before the final period the scoreboard read 81-47, and the result was never in doubt thereafter.
Individual numbers were limited for the hosts: Shabani finished as Macedonia’s top scorer with 16 points and 8 rebounds. On the other side, Luka, the coach’s son, led Croatia with 28 points.
The tournament observes a rest day tomorrow. North Macedonia’s next opponent is Switzerland; that match will be played on Monday in the "26 April" hall in Gevgelija.
Photo: press material from the event
