HRADEC KRALOVE / PRAGUE (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017) - Sonja Petrovic was the headline performer on a crunch day for Serbia when she saved the holders from a disastrous first-phase exit.

After a tricky start against Slovenia, Petrovic caught fire and finished the 88-69 triumph with 23 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Her efficiency score of 30 was instrumental in ensuring the title defense of the champions continues.

Anete Steinberga was immense for Latvia and even if she couldn't prevent them falling 62-58 to Belgium, she won plaudits for a phenomenal double-double of 14 points and 20 rebounds.

Also impressing in the paint is Taisiia Udodenko of Ukraine who was a colossus once again for her side. She was at the heart of a vibrant 84-72 win against Hungary as she garnered 22 points in another excellent shooting effort - as well as pulling down 9 rebounds.

Just 48 hours after their historic first-ever win in the competition, Slovenia are heading home after slumping to Serbia. Nika Baric did however do everything she could to avoid that outcome with 18 points, 6 assists and 3 steals.

It was a challenging tournament for Belarus who lost all three games, but especially for the recently naturalized Alex Bentley. The Final Round debutante at least signed off with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the 88-74 loss to Turkey to take the last spot in our line-up.

FIBA