U16 MEN

By Jared Grellet

Luka Bozic erupted for a huge double-double of 24 points and 18 rebounds when Croatia needed him most

Croatia have stamped their ticket to the quarter-finals of the Dadu U16 European Championship, defeating Ukraine 70-67 in their final second-round game.

The news however was not so great for the Ukrainians with the loss leaving them out of contention for a final eight spot. Croatia's win also confirms the place of Spain in the quarter-finals. Turkey's and Italy's position had already been confirmed a day previous.

With everything to play for, Ukraine pushed the Croats to the end, leading for significant parts of the game.

But in a low-scoring final frame, Ukraine failed to make the most of their opportunities. In the final eight seconds Oleksandr Kobets missed three three-point attempts that would have tied the game up.

Croatia's Luka Bozic top-scored in the game with a 24-point, 18-rebound double-double. Lovro Mazalin scored 13 and Marko Arapovic 12 points.

For Ukraine, Yevgen Balaban lead with 22 points.