ISTANBUL (Türkiye) - Thursday's action at the FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket, Division B saw the Semi-Finals play out with Lithuania and Bulgaria setting their Final bout, thus securing their Division A spots for next summer.
Lithuania took down hosts Türkiye 63-49, controlling the major portion of the game as Türkiye only had a brief lead early in the second quarter. Lithuania quickly returned to the drivers' seat and claimed the game with a furious start to the last period when lead climbed up to 22-point cushion.
The victors were led by a dynamic duo of Vilte Peleckyte and Gabija Galvanauskaite who both recorded a double-double; it was 21 points and 11 rebounds for the former and a monster performance of 15 points and 19 boards for Galvanauskaite. Naz Secerlioglu scored 12 for the host nation.
In the Final, Lithuania will square off against Bulgaria who pulled off a major comeback against Switzerland for a 60-52 success.
Switzerland started off strong and led for 20 minutes straight with the difference being at 14 points early in the second stanza. However, Switzerland shrank that to a four-point deficit by the half and raced out of the blocks in the third quarter.
Bulgaria built a 12-point lead of their own as the game came reached its culmination and the festivities upon the promotion could begin. Bulgaria will play in Division A for the first time since 2013 as they will look for their first Division B title.
Gabriela Kotseva sank five three-pointers on her way to 17 points and 4 rebounds for Bulgaria. Katrina Bozova did an all-around thing with 10 points, 7 boards, 5 assists and 4 steals in this low-scoring encounter. Scya Srdanovic gave her all with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 7 dimes and 6 steals, but it wasn't enough for Switzerland.
However, both Switzerland and Türkiye, at home, have a chance to redeem themselves in the Third Place Game on Friday where promotion will again be up for grabs.
Final
Lithuania vs Bulgaria
Third Place Game
Switzerland vs Türkiye
FIBA