Relief for Nacickaite and Lithuania

ORADEA/SOPRON/SZOMBATHELY/TIMISOARA (EuroBasket Women 2015) - A relieved Kamile Nacickaite has paid tribute to her Lithuania team-mates after they advanced to the second phase at EuroBasket Women 2015.

Placed under huge pressure after losing their first two games of the tournament, Lithuania responded in style with a win against Hungary and then by claiming a nerve-shredding 70-68 success against Sweden.

"It was a really tough win against a good team," stated Nacickaite.

"Today we were better and I'm so proud of my team.

"We played our hearts out in the most important game and everyone did a tremendous job."

It was a sentiment echoed by head coach Mantas Sernius who said: "It took a big job to prepare my players for this game.

"At the beginning, it was good, but at the end this always happens and I expected it to be close.

"We played four games in four days and played with heart and fight - this is what our summer preparations have been for."

The result meant heartache for Sweden and their large contingent of supporters as their hopes were shattered as they suffered elimination, but joy for Slovak Republic who celebrated progressing from their team hotel.

Lithuania and Slovak Republic were two of several nations to secure their places in the next stage on the penultimate day of the First Round - with Group D won by defending champions Spain.

They eased to their third victory by dumping out co-hosts Hungary with a 69-46 triumph behind a sensational 18 points, 14 rebounds and five assists from FIBA Europe Women’s Player of the Year, Alba Torrens.

Latvia have set up a nervy last day in Group C as they claimed a historic first ever EuroBasket Women win against Russia. Anete Jekabsone and Gunta Basko-Melnbarde both starred for Latvia as they came out on top 68-62.

Although their fate is now out of their hands on the last day in Szombathely when they will be watching the action from the sidelines.

The Latvia victory eliminated Great Britain who had fallen 76-54 earlier in the day to Serbia, who sealed a place in the Second Round.

Elsewhere, unbeaten France and Montenegro progressed after collecting wins against Ukraine and Romania respectively.

Jelena Skerovic rolled back the years with a sensational 13 assists for Montenegro as they eased to an 84-71 win, while France were pushed very hard by Romania and broke the hearts of the co-hosts.

Romania had looked like they might complete a shock win but went down 76-67 after Les Bleues came up with a 22-7 last period led by 17 points from Paoline Salagnac.

It leaves Czech Republic, Ukraine and Romania all fighting it out for the last available ticket in Group A.

With Belarus having already confirmed their safe passage from Group B, they will be joined by either Greece, Turkey or Italy on what promises to be an exciting last day in Oradea.

Turkey boosted their chances of success with a hard fought 61-50 win against Greece after Lara Sanders produced a fine 18 points and 12 rebounds.

Italy ensured Poland left the competition winless after claiming a 66-55 win as Giorgia Sottana celebrated winning her 100th cap.

Meanwhile, opposing guard Paulina Pawlak announced her retirement after the final buzzer had sounded.

Go to EuroBasketWomen2015.com for full coverage of EuroBasket Women 2015.

FIBA