Brilliant comeback makes history for Latvia

SOPRON (FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship 2016) - Latvia recovered from a 14-point deficit to reach the FIBA U19 Women’s World Championship for the first time in history, while Russia eliminated hosts Hungary.

Latvia looked beaten, down 44-30 with 11 minutes remaining, their offence in a deep funk, and star center Digna Strautmane sitting with foul trouble. But Luize Septe came alive, scoring 16 of her 22 points to spur a fantastic comeback and break Belgium’s hearts.

Spain held off Turkey in the second Quarter-Final, relying on their dogged defence that was able to keep everyone but Meltem Yildizhan (23 points) quiet. Paula Ginzo provided their inspiration with a fantastic effort off the bench, tallying 22 points, 14 boards and 5 steals.

Hosts Hungary gave Russia everything that they could handle in an emotional third Quarter-Final of the day, but Daria Kurilchuk hit a pair of deep three-pointers late in the game to bring Russia back into it, and they held on down the stretch to set up a Semi-Final against Spain. Kamilla Ogun ended with a game-high 19 points, and Raisa Musina added another double-double.

France kept their quest for a sixth successive Final appearance at this level alive with a tense victory over Italy, who struggled to get enough going on offence outside of Lorela Cubaj’s 21 points. France had to rely on a determined team effort, led by Tima Pouye’s 11 points and 8 boards, to set up a Semi-Final against Latvia.

The main surprise in the relegation battle came with Slovenia’s victory over Czech Republic, spurred by Aleksandra Kroselj’s 20 points and a double-double from Teja Gorsic.

Lithuania ousted Slovak Republic with 20 points from Gabija Meskonyte, and Serbia and Croatia joined the pair in ensuring their Division A status for 2017 with victories over Netherlands and Israel, respectively.

For more on all of today's action, you can also go to the #FIBAU18Europe Live Feed.

Quarter-Final results:
Latvia beat Belgium 55-52
Spain beat Turkey 67-57
Russia beat Hungary 64-61
France beat Italy 60-52

Classification Games 9-16 results:
Croatia beat Israel 76-68
Slovenia beat Czech Republic 58-56
Lithuania beat Slovak Republic 60-52
Serbia beat Netherlands 73-58

FIBA