Semi-Final spots claimed in Udine as four teams also secure Division A status
UDINE (FIBA U16 Women's European Championship 2016) - There was a mixture of joy and despair on the fifth day at the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship 2016 as four teams took Semi-Final spots and another four nations jumped into the Division A safety net.
The home fans in Udine had to endure a roller-coaster of emotion as Croatia threatened to spoil the party when they opened up a 13-point lead. But Italy showed great heart to come back for a rousing 50-45 success. Elena Vella was the hero and game-winner as she came alive in crunch time to get her team over the line, en-route to sinking 19 points.
There will be a new champion crowned on Sunday evening after Spain took down holders Czech Republic 63-51 as Raquel Carrera continued to impress with 10 points, 14 rebounds, 4 blocked shots and 3 assists.
Germany wrote another historical chapter as they made the last four for the first time with another majestic offering, sweeping aside Belarus 69-53. There were a trio of double-doubles from Luisa Geiselsoder, Emily Bessoir and Leonie Fiebich - with the latter two both passing the 20-rebound mark.
France were even more rampant against Lithuania as they ran them off the floor 76-36, with Paloma Wouts netting 20 points.
In the 9-16 Classification Games, there was also euphoria for Turkey who chose a great time to collect their maiden win on Italian soil. Their victory against Sweden preserved their stay in the top tier and they will be joined by Russia, Hungary and Latvia who also wrapped up Division A spots for 2017.
It means Sweden, Portugal, Slovak Republic and Serbia will compete to take the last remaining place, with three of those teams scheduled to tumble into Division B.
Friday's results
Quarter-Finals
Germany beat Belarus 69-53
France beat Lithuania 76-36
Spain beat Czech Republic 63-51
Italy beat Croatia 50-45
9-16 Classification
Turkey beat Sweden 66-53
Hungary beat Serbia 68-59
Russia beat Slovak Republic 72-60
Latvia beat Portugal 58-32
Semi-Finals
Germany v France
Spain v Italy
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