Lithuania and Spain make Final, Bosnia and Herzegovina relegated with Sweden

HERAKLION (Greece) - It was an eventful penultimate day of the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship as Lithuania and Spain booked Final slots while Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sweden fell into Division B.

Spain completed a choking defensive shutdown of France in their derby game, winning the first Semi-Final 54-36 as their opponents shot just 14 of 61 from the field. While Spain also struggled to find their rhythm, Carla Brito was as reliable as ever.

She finished the game with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals, while Ariadna Termis Casas did the business on the glass with 12 rebounds. 

A positive opening against Germany proved useful in fueling confidence for Lithuania as they made their first Final since 2008. While Germany fought back in the contest, a 14-4 run at the start of the fourth quarter was pivotal in taking Lithuania to a 64-52 success.

There was a nice one-two punch from Vilte Andrunaviciute who recorded 16 points and 6 rebounds, while Juste Joctye showed her class with another leading stat line of 21 points, 6 boards and 6 assists. Nicole Brochlitz replied with 19 points for Germany.

In stark contrast to those making the Final,  there was huge disappointment for Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina after being relegated. The former lost 78-71 to Israel and had no answer to an incredible 15 assists from Tamar Singer. Bosnia and Herzegovina were sunk 50-39 by Greece, but the host nations has work to do, since they will now face Israel to avoid the remaining relegation place.

Italy or Czech Republic will seal a top five finish after 20 points from Vittoria Blasigh fired the Italians to a 75-61 win against Finland, although Elsa Lemmila was unfortunate to be on the losing side after racking up 21 point and 11 rebounds.

Meanwhile Czech Republic cruised past Poland 82-57 as Charlotte Velichova lit it up with 25 points.

Elsewhere, Latvia pipped Belgium 69-67 in an entertaining matchup as Raina Tomasicka continued her stand out tournament with 23 point and 6 rebounds for the winning team. Turkey also claimed a 59-52 triumph against Hungary as Deniz Togrut and Ada Naz Corum shared 24 points.

FIBA