Lithuania reach first-ever final, face unbeaten Russia in title showdown

SKOPJE (North Macedonia) - Lithuania and Russia will contest the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship 2019 Final after coming through dramatic last four encounters.

Juste Jocyte starred with 20 points and 15 rebounds a 54-51 triumph over France to reach the Final at the event for the first time. The 13-year-old held her nerve with ice cool free throws in the clutch moments as her side repeated their opening day victory over France.

Their previous best was a third place finish in 2006 in Kosice with Lithuania creating history having gone 51-49 behind with 1:53 left before four free throws from Jocyte in a decisive 5-0 close.

Russia continued their quest for a perfect tournament after holding off Spain for a thrilling 64-60 victory with their last title coming in 2014 .

Anastasiia Bocharova netted 18 points - including 5 of 10 shooting from 3-point range - with Anastasiia Kosu overcoming foul trouble to finish with 11 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks.

Leading in double figures, Russia would have still been wary of their opponents' fightback and Spain made their move with a 15-3 spell putting them 60-58 ahead inside the final two minutes.

Up stepped Kosu with back-to-back scores before Kristina Savkovich sealed the game from the foul line to spark jubilant celebrations at the buzzer.

Meanwhile, Sweden and Turkey were relegated to Division B after suffering agonizing losses in the 13-16 Classification Round. Denmark picked up their first win of the tournament as they edged out Turkey 54-53 with Lisa Michaelsen netting the game-winner, while Poland overcame Sweden in a 53-52 success.

There is also one more ticket to the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup to be decided on Friday as Belgium will meet Italy for 5th place and join the four semi-finalists in Romania next year.

FIBA