PODGORICA (FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2016 Division B) - Montenegro, Great Britain and Hungary joined Slovenia, Lithuania, Romania, Croatia and Czech Republic in the Qualifying Round.

The hosts bounced back after their opening defeat to Slovenia with Ireland unable to handle Montenegro's rebounders, as the home team grabbed 25 offensive boards to pave the way to an 81-41 win in the final Group D game. Milena Bajic was responsible for five of Montenegro's 20 steals on the day, and she was also the top scorer with 14 points in less than 21 minutes on the court. Bojana Kovacevic played just 16 minutes, but collected a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds for Montenegro. All 12 players played at least nine minutes with all of them scoring at least one field goal. Nadine Cheryl Rice was the only Irish player in double figures with 12 points in 14 minutes.

Slovenia (1-0) and Montenegro (0-1) join Lithuania (1-0) and Great Britain (0-1) in the newly formed Group F. British players had no problem in securing their place in the Qualifying Round, as they defeated Israel 74-50.

Great Britain scored 11-of-30 attempts from three-point range, led by Kennedy Leonard's four triples and 22 points. She also led the team in steals (6) and assists (4). Georgia Nicole Gayle provided a helping hand with 19 points, Abigail Johnson contributed with 11 points and 16 rebounds. Yael Bracha Galili had 11 points for Israel, who now move on to Classification Games for 9th - 13th place.

The most dramatic game of the day was the one between Hungary and Ukraine. Olga Yatskovets converted a pair of clutch free throws to give Ukraine a 48-47 win. Debora Franciska Dubei missed a potential game winning three for Hungary at the buzzer. The result meant all three teams in Group A finished with a 1-1 record, but Czech Republic (+29) and Hungary (+14) advanced to the Qualifying Round due to better +/- compared to Ukraine (-43).

Czech Republic (0-1) and Hungary (1-0) will now play against Romania (1-0) and Croatia (0-1) in Group E. Romania won the battle of the previously unbeaten teams in Group B thanks to a huge third-quarter run.

Romania won that period 26-9 and cruised to a 62-54 win over Croatia in the final 10 minutes. Ana Ferariu was too fast for Croatian defence, as she finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Paula Lenart also had a double-double of 14 points and 10 boards. Iva Slonjsak's 16 points were not enough for Croatia.

Belarus and Bulgaria are the two relegated teams from Group B. Belarus ended the first part of the Championship on a high, and will carry a 63-56 win to the Classification Games for 9th - 13th place.

FIBA