Petra Božana Sets European U20 Championship Record in Rebounds
Croatian basketball player Petra Božana grabbed 28 rebounds in Sunday's game against Israel, setting a new European U20 Championship record, and tied the efficiency rating record (48), though her team lost 85:87.
Petra Božana, a Croatian center, delivered a historic performance on Sunday, July 5, at the European U20 Championship against Israel. In 38 minutes and 7 seconds, she scored 26 points (10 of 13 two-pointers) and collected 28 rebounds, including 22 defensive boards. This surpassed the previous record set by Sweden's Alise Nīštrēma in 2013, while Latvia's Aija Putniņa (25 rebounds in 2007) now ranks third.
Božana also tied the efficiency record set by Lithuania's Danielė Paunksnītė in 2025, earning a rating of 48. Former record holder Melisa Brcaninovič (45) from Bosnia drops to third, and Serbia's Ivana Rača is fourth.
Despite Božana's individual brilliance, Croatia fell to Israel 85:87. Teammate Lea Vukić added 25 points and nine rebounds, while Israel's Gala Raviva posted 26 points and nine assists.
Božana played for Nebraska from 2024 to 2026 and announced in May she would join Penn State. The same university's men's team will feature Latvian player Robert Blūm, formerly of Davidson.
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