Hungary and France jump into Final as Belarus and Romania endure relegation

BOURGES (FIBA U16 Women's European Championship 2017) - Hungary and hot nation France will contest the Final of the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship 2017 in Bourges.

Hungary ended a wait of more than four decades to make it back to the title decider after completing an eye-catching 63-45 triumph against Latvia as Rika Manyoky led the way with 14 points.

Home favorites France had to work hard to see off a resilient Italy, 74-57, with only a late surge taking the game away from their opponents.

Iliana Rupert was once again a difference-maker with a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds. There was also good leadership in the backcourt from captain, Marine Fauthoux.

The last slot available for the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 will go to either Spain or Germany after they each took precious, but contrasting victories.

Spain blasted past Poland 79-61 as Raquel Carrera collected 13 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists.

Germany had to survive a nervous last few seconds as Veronika Pavliuchenko almost helped Russia snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with an incredible shot in crunch time.

But the Germans held on for a 53-52 victory thanks to some sharp three-point shooting by Pauline Mayer who dropped five triples.

Meanwhile there was agony for Romania who were relegated after being sunk 69-57 by Netherlands, while Belarus are also back in Division B after losing 66-62 against Lithuania. The Dutch will remain in the tip tier if they can beat Lithuania in their last outing.

Saturday's games
Final
France vs Hungary

3rd-Place Game
Italy vs Latvia

Classification 5-8
Spain vs Germany
Poland vs Russia

Classification 9-12
Czech Republic v Croatia
Turkey vs Serbia

Classification 13-16
Netherlands vs Lithuania
Romania vs Belarus

You can also follow how the day's action unfolded by reflecting on our Live Updates. Check out full game replays on YouTube.com/FIBA. 

FIBA