Semi-Finals are set in Matosinhos as four nations also retain Division A status
MATOSINHOS (FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2016) - The Semi-Finals have been set at the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2016 while a quartet of nations are breathing a sigh of relief.
MATOSINHOS (FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2016) - The Semi-Finals have been set at the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2016 in Matosinhos while a quartet of nations are breathing a sigh of relief.
There was joy for defending champions Spain, Russia, Italy and Serbia as they all made the last four of the competition after completing Quarter-Final victories.
Spain had to work hard to dismiss a Belgian side that wouldn't lie down, eventually prevailing 58-50 as Maria Cazorla scored a classy 14 points with just one missed shot. In a repeat of last year's Semi-Final in Lanzarote, Spain will meet Russia who hit top gear in the last 15 minutes against Poland to take a 68-55 triumph with Daria Kolosovskaia racking up 20 points and 13 rebounds.
Italy took their place with a spectacular comeback as they outscored Latvia 25-4 at the end of the contest to ride to a 61-54 victory, with Cecilia Zandalisini on fire, producing 31 points and 11 rebounds. The last Semi-Final ticket went to Serbia who won 73-66 to hand France their first loss of the competition.
There was history for Bosnia and Herzegovina who not only took their first-ever top tier win as by outlasting Slovak Republic 73-65, they booked their spot in Division A next season. Sweden are also celebrating their first success in Matosinhos after surviving for another year in the top flight by beating Greece 63-58.
Netherlands secured their status with a comprehensive win against Germany, while the locals were bouncing in joy as they squeezed out a nerve-wracking 50-48 victory.
For more on all of today's action, you can also go to the FIBA live feed.
Friday's results
Quarter-Finals
Spain beat Belgium 58-50
Russia beat Poland 68-55
Latvia beat Italy 61-54
Serbia beat France 73-66
Classification Round 9-16
Sweden beat Greece 63-58
Netherlands beat Germany 77-54
Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Slovak Republic 73-65
Portugal beat Turkey 50-48
Friday's Semi-Finals
Spain v Russia
Serbia v Italy
FIBA