LOGAN, Utah - Utah State sophomore center Neemias Queta has led the U20 Portuguese National Team into the FIBA European Championships - Division B quarterfinals after going undefeated in Group D. Portugal swept games against North Macedonia (73-39), Luxembourg (86-44), Slovakia (76-61) and Belgium (81-53) to set up a quarterfinal matchup with Georgia, the second-place finisher of Group C, on Friday, July 19.
In the tournament opener against North Macedonia, Queta anchored a Portuguese defense that held its opponent to just 27.7 percent (13-of-47) shooting from the floor and a paltry three points in the first quarter. Queta finished the game with a team-best 12 points, a game-high eight rebounds and four blocks, and added two steals and one assist.
Portugal's staunch defense continued in the second game against Luxembourg, holding the side to 33.3 percent (17-of-51) from the floor as Luxembourg didn't hit a shot from behind the arc, going 0-of-14 from deep. Queta paced Portugal for the second consecutive game on the glass, finishing with a team-best eight rebounds, and added eight points, three blocks and one steal in just over 20 minutes of action.
Statistically, Queta had his best game of the tournament in Portugal's victory over Slovakia, recording a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds. Queta also added two blocks and one steal, shooting 80.0 percent (8-of-10) from the floor and knocking two of his three free throws.
In the battle for first place in Group D, Portugal routed Belgium in the group finale as the Portuguese defense held Belgium to 36.2 percent (21-of-58) from the floor and an opening quarter that produced just four points. Queta finished the game with eight points and a game-high eight rebounds, while adding one assist and one block.
For the tournament, Queta is averaging 11.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.0 steals per game and helping at Portuguese defense that is allowing opponents to shoot just 33.8 percent (72-of-213).
Fans can visit http://www.fiba.basketball/europe/u20b/2019, for more information on the FIBA European Championships - Division B tournament, including a link to watch Friday's contest via YouTube.
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