Russia overcome Lithuania to lift FIBA U16 Women's European Championship title
SKOPJE (North Macedonia) - Russia completed a perfect tournament as they came out on top against Lithuania to be crowned FIBA U16 Women's European Championship 2019 winners.
Anastasiia Kosu produced a mammoth Final display with 27 points and 14 rebounds, earning the MVP award in the process to edge out Juste Jocyte as the 13-year-old poured in an incredible 33 points in the 73-66 defeat.
.@RussiaBasket 🇷🇺 defeat @Musukrepsinis 🇱🇹 in a Final for the ages and are crowned #FIBAU16Europe Champion 🏆👏 !
— FIBA (@FIBA) August 30, 2019
📊 https://t.co/kQyrsyiQKP pic.twitter.com/PoHlJEysaz
The duo were joined in the All-Star Five by Jocyte's teammate Audrone Zdaneviciute as well as Spain's Marta Morales and Sara Roumy of France.
Russia made an 8-2 start, but Lithuania soon settled with Jocyte catching fire with 16 points without a miss in the first half as her side led by double digits at 36-26.
The gap was closed and a tense second half ensued with several lead changes in the battle for supremacy. Russia moved in front late in the third, Lithuania back ahead in the fourth before Kosu scored seven straight in a decisive 10-0 run, capped by Iana Pashkovskaia's corner triple.
Spain joined the two teams on the podium as they claimed their second bronze medal at the event in as many years. Chisomaga Okafor led the way with 23 points and 10 rebounds to see her side overcome France in a 72-57 triumph.
Italy booked their spot at next year's FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup - alongside the top four - as they secured 5th place with a 62-54 victory over Belgium.
Meanwhile, Denmark retained their Division A status by beating Poland 68-56 for their second win of the tournament. Michala Bork top scored with 21 points to ensure her side avoided relegation despite losing their first five games.
Poland drop into Division B alongside Turkey and Sweden with Slovenia, Portugal and Croatia replacing them in the top flight next summer.
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