Italy keep title repeat hopes alive as Quarter-Finals are set

SKOPJE (North Macedonia) - Italy are still on course to defend their title at the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship after powering past Germany in the Round of 16.

Despite finishing third in their group - after a heavy loss to Hungary on Saturday - the 2018 champions claimed a convincing 64-39 victory with Matilde Villa leading the new-look roster with 18 points.

It was a similar story for Lithuania after finishing behind Germany and France in the opening round, as they produced a momentous display to see off Hungary. 13-year-old Juste Jocyte poured in 21 points to fuel her side’s 74-60 success to reach the last eight and continue pursuit of a first medal at the event for 13 years.

Three teams remain unbeaten in contention for a perfect tournament with Russia, Spain and Czech Republic all sweeping into the Quarter-Finals with contrasting displays.

Russia continued their winning run with a dominant 95-47 success over Denmark to start the day’s action as Sabrina Dovnar-Zapolskaia led the way with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 6 steals with Anastasiia Olairi Kosu adding 5 blocks to 11 points and 9 boards.

Spain had to overcome a slow start before blowing aside Turkey 81-40 with a double-double for Chisomaga Okafor, while Czech Republic also produced a strong second half showing to see off the challenge of Sweden in a 74-51 victory as Nikola Zdenkova netted 18 points.

Earlier, France fended off the challenge of Finland to record their third win in a row as they prevailed 65-56. Maia Hirsch top scored with 15 points and her side will face Belgium in the last eight after they overcame Poland 58-51 behind a strong fourth quarter effort with Nastja Claessens posting 19 points and 8 rebounds.

Latvia battled past Greece in the closest margin of victory of the day as they came out on top in a 60-55 triumph. Having trailed by as many as 12 points, Latvia produced an emphatic fourth quarter as they repelled the 19-point, 12-rebound double-double from Eleni Bosgana to advance.

Quarter-Finals:

France v Belgium
Lithuania v Czech Republic
Italy v Spain
Russia v Latvia

FIBA