Ukraine’s U-20 Basketball Team Secures Semifinal Spot at European Championship

Ukraine Triumphs at U-20 European Championship

According to Рубрика: The Ukrainian men’s U-20 basketball team has extended its winning streak to five consecutive victories at the European Championship Division B. In the quarterfinals, the squad defeated Ireland with a score of 72:62, setting up a semifinal clash against Portugal for a chance to reach the final.

From the opening tip-off, Ukraine displayed aggressive play and quickly built an early lead. After the first quarter, the blue-and-yellow team held a 17:13 advantage. However, Ireland fought back in the second half and managed to take the lead. Heading into the final quarter, the Ukrainian team trailed by four points. The game turned in the fourth quarter when Ukraine sank six three-pointers in a row, reclaiming control and building a comfortable margin. The last period ended 29:15 in favor of Ukraine.

Key Players and Next Steps

Maksym Hryshchuk was the standout performer for Ukraine, recording a double-double with 28 points and 10 rebounds. Yehor Sushkin also delivered an impressive showing, scoring 23 points and hitting six of his eleven three-point attempts. This victory marked Ukraine’s fifth win in as many tournament games.

In the semifinals, Ukraine will face Portugal, which defeated Hungary on July 17. Notably, three of the four semifinalists in Division B will earn promotion to the elite Division A for the next season. The semifinal match is scheduled for July 18, 2026, in Bratislava, with tip-off set for 21:30 Kyiv time. The team is coached by Dmytro Zabirchenko.

This win underscores Ukraine’s strong performance at the tournament, showcasing their skill and teamwork. The scoring contributions of Maksym Hryshchuk and Yehor Sushkin were pivotal in the victory over Ireland. A win in the semifinals would secure Ukraine a promotion to Division A, a significant milestone for the country’s young athletes.

As Ukraine's U-20 basketball team continues to impress at the European Championship, their dominant performance in the tournament opener against Georgia set the tone for their success. This victory not only showcased their potential but also highlighted the team's chemistry and determination. For a closer look at how Ukraine dismantled Georgia and what it means for their championship journey, check out our detailed coverage here.