Akward start in defense of title
European champion Greece struggled for a 76-66 win in its Eurobasket opener against Israel in a Group A game played in Granada, Spain, late Monday night. Greece, looking to defend its title won in Belgrade two years ago, was led by Vassilis Spanoulis and Costas Tsartaris through the encounter’s tighter than expected finale. In Group A’s other game earlier on Monday, Russia led throughout to overcome Serbia 73-65 with Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko pulling down 12 rebounds and notching 24 points. Greece’s second Group A game, against Serbia, was in progress last night. Earlier yesterday, Russia defeated Israel 90-56 to lead the group with two wins from as many games. The top three sides from the competition’s four groups advance to the next phase, which comprises two groups of six, in Madrid.
