LAT - Slovakia surprise Latvia in Riga

RIGA (EuroBasket Women) - Slovakia claimed one of the most important triumphs in their basketball history on Saturday night by upsetting Latvia at the Arena Riga.

In front of more than 6,000 fans, Pokey Chatman’s team handed the EuroBasket Women hosts their first defeat in the competition and booked a place in the Quarter-Finals.

The Slovakians, who forced Latvia to turn the ball over 21 times, came up with 14 steals.

Jana Carnoka had four steals and Zuzana Zirkova (24pts) and Martina Gyurcsi (17pts) finished with three steals each.

"Congratulations to Slovakia for a great game," said Latvia coach Ainars Zvirgzdins, whose team had already clinched a place in the last eight.

"I'm really sorry that we didn't execute what we planned to do before the game.

"Our aim was do not to lose our basketball concentration. Our aim was not to make any mistakes but Slovakia came up with 18 (offensive) rebounds and 14 steals.

"It's sad, but girls did all they could. This game is history."

The Slovakians, who failed to qualify for the last two EuroBaskets, are now looking as if they may reach next year’s FIBA World Championship for Women.

The Czech Republic will host the event and play at the tournament, while the top five sides in Riga at the EuroBasket Women will join them as the other European teams.

Greece won 62-45 on Saturday over the Czech Republic to stay in contention for a place in the Quarter-Finals.

Evina Maltsi poured in 24 points for the Greeks in that game.

Also on Saturday, Spain trailed 41-31 early in the second half but rode a strong defensive effort to a 67-55 win.

Evaristo Perez’s team remained undefeated in the competition.

FIBA