KLAIPEDA / VILNIUS (Lithuania) - France are celebrating their fourth FIBA U20 Women's European Championship crown and first since 2014 after flying past first time finalists Latvia.

They completed an unbeaten campaign on Lithuanian soil by posting an emphatic 85-59 success in the showpiece game having prospered from a rapid 29-11 start to the contest. 

Influential in the title-decider, Carla Leite top scored with 24 points, while Ines Debroise signed off with her best game as she served up an eye-catching contribution of 18 points. 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. 

Having spearheaded the champions throughout their invincible campaign, Leite was named MVP of the event.

Vanesa Jasa who scored 17 points in the title game for Latvia was next in the All-Star Five lineup, while there were also selections for Noa Morro of bronze medalists Spain, Dunja Zecevic of Serbia and Italian playmaker Matilde Villa.

Earlier in the day, Spain made up for their disappointment at relinquishing their grasp on this year's title by taking out their frustrations on Serbia in the Third-Place Game. They powered their way past their opponents 94-36 with Txell Alarcon superb as she collected 21 points, 5 steals, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. 

Claudia Contell - who took MVP honors in 2022 - also stood out for Spain with 13 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks, while it was very much a day to forget for Serbia who didn't have a player make it to double-figures. 

Meanwhile, Italy ended the tournament on a positive note and claimed fifth place with a 75-64 victory over Portugal while Israel toppled Turkey 81-57 to finish seventh in the final standings.

There was disappointment for Czech Republic and Belgium who were relegated to Division B, while despite finishing in last place, Lithuania avoided the drop as hosts of next year's FIBA U20 Women's European Championship.  

Final standings

1. France
2. Latvia
3. Spain
4. Serbia
5. Italy 
6. Portugal
7. Israel
8. Turkey
9. Finland
10. Hungary
11. Poland
12. Montenegro
13. Sweden 
14. Czech Republic
15. Belgium
16. Lithuania

Meanwhile, in Division B, Slovenia earned promotion by claiming the title with a 57-47 triumph over Germany in Craiova, Romania.

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