Champions extend their stay as hosts exit on a high

PRAGUE/HRADEC KRALOVE (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017) - It was third time lucky for holders Serbia who avoided a shock early exit at The Final Round, while Czech Republic exited on a high note.

Having lost their opening two encounters, the pressure was on the reigning champions on Day 3, but a dazzling display by Sonja Petrovic led her team to the win they needed to survive.

The forward plundered 23 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds as Serbia beat Slovenia 88-69 in Group C, a result which dumped the newcomers out of the competition.

Meanwhile, Czech Republic knew they had no opportunity to move to the next stage, but at least bowed out on a positive note as they thrilled a jubilant home crowd with a memorable 67-63 win against Spain. The hosts were much improved at both ends of the court.

Club team-mates Kia Vaughn and Katerina Elhotova combined for 35 points, while another ZVVZ USK Prague player Ilona Burgrova ended her international career with a win in her home city. Petra Kulichova also called it a day with the national team.

Elsewhere, Belgium continued to show their medal potential by topping Group D as Emma Meesseman shone with a near double-double of 16 points and 9 rebounds in a tight 62-58 victory against Latvia.

France landed top spot in Group C, courtesy of a 70-63 win against Greece - despite 25 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists from Evanthia Maltsi in defeat.

Turkey are also into the Quarter-Finals on Thursday after completing their Group Phase campaign by beating Belarus 88-74, as Olcay Cakir Turgut led the way with 15 points and 6 assists.

Ukraine took second place in Group A as they powered their way past Hungary 84-72, thanks to a shared 34 points from Alina Iagupova and Olesia Malashenko - as well as a superb 22 points and 9 boards from the in-form Taisiia Udodenko.

Italy had Cecilia Zandalasini post 15 points and 12 rebounds to help them to wrap up second place in Group B by overcoming Slovak Republic 68-61.

Russia got stronger as their game unfolded against Montenegro and took a 78-54 success against their winless opponents, who's involvement came to an end.

For more highlights of the games click HERE and to find out how the day unfolded via our live updates, click HERE.

FIBA