Slovenia, Portugal secure promotion, will meet in Saturday's Final

SOFIA (Bulgaria) - Slovenia and Portugal maintained their unbeaten records at the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship, Division B and will meet in the Final after securing promotion.

Slovenia were first to seal their place in Division A next summer after producing a dominant final quarter effort to see off Norway in a 67-60 success.

A balanced scoring attack was led by 12 points from Ana Vita Micunovic as Slovenia poured in 28 points in the fourth to overcome a narrow 42-39 deficit at the end of the third quarter.

Meanwhile, Portugal joined Slovenia in making it seven wins from seven as they overcame the late fightback of Croatia for a 49-45 triumph. They last reached the Division B Final in 2013 on home soil when they were beaten by Serbia in Matosinhos.

After making a 10-3 start through the opening 10 minutes, Portugal led by as many as 13 points in the contest before Croatia rallied in the fourth, closing to within four points at 44-40.

Ana Barreto led the way with 18 points and 9 rebounds to help her side hold on for victory with Ines Vieira posting 5 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals in a determined 40-minute effort.

Croatia will have another chance for an immediate return to Division A as they face Norway on Saturday in a game that also decides the final step on the podium alongside Portugal and Slovenia.

FIBA