Game Report, Czech Republic vs Russia 85-83, Eight-Finals

BARUERI (2006 FIBA World Championship for Women) - Hana Machova took over when the game was in the balance for the Czech Republic as they beat Russia in a rematch of last year's EuroBasket Women final.

Just as they did in Turkey to clinch the European title, the Czechs won a thriller over the Russians.

Trailing 70-69 after Olga Arteshina buried a three-pointer for the Russians with 5:43 remaining, Machova nailed a shot from the arc 70 seconds later to put her side back in front.

Maria Stepanova replied with a jump shot to take her tally to 21 points and tie the game at 72-72, but Machova then added a three-point play, and a pair of free throws for a 77-72 lead and the Czechs held on for victory.

Machova finished with 17 points on four of eight shooting from the field and eight of nine from the line.

Eva Viteckova did most of the damage, however, with a team-high 25 points on nine of 13 shooting, including five of seven (71.4%) from the arc.

Stepanova led all scorers with 28 points and she also pulled down 10 rebounds.

17.09.2006 Boxscores

Senegal vs Nigeria: 66-64
Brazil vs Australia: 73-82
Argentina vs Lithuania: 47-62
Russia vs Czech Republic: 83-85
Spain vs Canada: 85-57
USA vs France: 76-41
Korea vs Chinese Taipei: 73-52
China vs Cuba: 73-70

PA Sport