The Greece U18 Women’s national team opened its FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship Division B campaign with a commanding 78-60 victory over Slovakia on 2 August 2026. Playing with energy on both ends of the floor, Greece controlled the tempo from the opening quarter and never looked back, signaling their intent as one of the tournament’s early contenders.

Match Overview

Greece set the tone with aggressive full-court pressure and fluid ball movement, building a double-digit lead before halftime. Slovakia fought to stay within striking distance after the break, but a decisive third-quarter surge from the Greek side put the game firmly out of reach. The final scoreline reflected Greece’s dominance in the paint and their ability to convert turnovers into easy transition baskets.

Key Moments

• Fast start: Greece jumped out to an early 12-4 run, forcing Slovakia into rushed shots and establishing an inside presence that paid off all night.
• Second-quarter separation: A 10-2 spurt just before halftime extended the lead to 17, giving Greece a comfortable cushion at the break.
• Third-quarter knockout: After Slovakia cut the deficit to nine early in the second half, Greece responded with an 11-0 run capped by back-to-back three-pointers to restore control.
• Closing stretch: Slovakia made one final push in the fourth, but Greece’s disciplined defense held them to just 14 points in the final period.

Tactical Story

Greece’s game plan revolved around high-pressure defense and quick outlet passes. By forcing Slovakia into 21 turnovers, the Greeks converted those mistakes into 26 points. Offensively, they relied on a balanced attack, with multiple players scoring in double figures and a clear emphasis on attacking the rim. Slovakia, meanwhile, struggled to find consistent rhythm against the Greek zone, settling for contested jumpers rather than working the ball inside.

Standout Players

Greece’s frontcourt was particularly effective, dominating the boards and protecting the rim. Their point guard orchestrated the offense with poise, recording a game-high in assists and sparking the transition game. Slovakia was led by their shooting guard, who kept her team in the contest with timely perimeter shooting and a strong second-half performance. Despite the loss, Slovakia showed resilience and will look to bounce back in their next group-stage fixture.

Table and Tournament Impact

The win gives Greece a confidence-boosting start in the FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship Division B, placing them at the top of their group with a +18 point differential. Slovakia, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly, as the standings race in Division B is always tight. With several more group games remaining, both teams have plenty of opportunities to shape their fate in the tournament.

For Greece, this victory provides early momentum and a template for success: aggressive defense, unselfish offense, and relentless energy. If they can maintain that level of intensity, they will be a difficult matchup for anyone in the competition.