After two weeks of competition, the final of the 2011 Eurobasket for Women tournament is now set in Lodz for tomorrow night.
Quarter-Finals:
Advanced – Russia, Czech Republic, Turkey and France. Out – Latvia, Croatia, Montenegro and Lithuania.
Russia and the Czech Republic breezed through their last-eight match-ups with victories over Latvia and Croatia respectively.
Russia converted on their first six three-point attempts, and were simply too much for a brave Latvia side winning 82-73. Russia’s quest for an automatic Olympics spot continues on, while Latvia will fight it out for an Olympic Qualifying spot.
The World Championship runners-up Czech Republic had no problems despatching surprise quarter-finalists Croatia in Lodz. Racing out to an early 21-9 advantage in the first. The Croats managed to get to within five points at 45-40, but after that, it was all Czech Republic, as they posted a 24-0 run and never looked back. Comfortably winning 79-63.
The amazing fairytale of Montenegro is over. As they were defeated for the first time in this tournament by Turkey – and in convincing fashion too. Using a 7-0 run in the final stanza to crush Montenegro’s dreams of Eurobasket glory. Turkey underlining their basketball prowess with a semi-final birth, winning 56-44.
The holders, France also reached the last-four with a 66-58 victory over Lithuania. A 20-8 third quarter surge from the French led to their semi-final place, as Lithuania came out static and unable to cope with France’s all-round game.
Semi-Finals:
Advanced – Russia and Turkey. Out – Czech Republic and France.
Russia and Turkey will contest the 2011 Eurobasket Women’s final after the Russians put on their performance of the tournament so far by thumping the Czechs 85-53. A heavyweight bout was nothing but a rout as Russia put on a 12-4 burst in a seven minute, second quarter spell to ease along to victory.
Turkey shocked holders France by relegated them to the bronze-medal game, after a 68-62 overtime success. Tied at 60 at the end of regulation, France crumbled as Turkey rattled out a 8-2 run in OT to claim a gold-medal birth.
Czech Republic and France will battle it out for the bronze just before the final itself.
For all information on Eurobasket Women – visit www.fibaeurope.com.
