History-makers Bosnia and Herzegovina move into Quarter-Finals with Russia, Spain and Sweden

STRASBOURG / VALENCIA (France/Spain) - The last four tickets to the next phase of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021 were grabbed by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, Spain and Sweden,  completing the lineup for Wednesday's Quarter-Finals.

They are joining the likes of Belarus, Belgium  France and Serbia that had booked their spots on Sunday by virtue of finishing first in their respective groups.

Bosnia and Herzegovina made the last eight for the first time in their history, while there was Qualification For The Quarter-Finals disappointment for Croatia, Italy, Montenegro and Slovenia. Their respective campaigns ended - along with their dreams of making the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournaments.

Bosnia and Herzegovina 80-69 Croatia

Summary: It was another memorable moment for Bosnia and Herzegovina as they reached the last eight of the tournament for the first time. They had to work hard to come from behind, but got stronger as the game unfolded and  took control down the stretch.

Game Heroes: Jonquel Jones was amazing as usual as she claimed yet another monstrous double-double. This time it was for 24 points and 17 rebounds, while she also came up with 5 assists and 3 blocks. Nikolina Babic posted a nice cameo of 16 points and 6 assists.

They Said: "I am proud of my team. We knew it would be a tough game but we were mentally ready from the very first minute. We knew that we had to play defense and also we had a big motivation for the Quarter-Finals and the possibility of playing for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying tournament." Bosnia and Herzegovina guard Andjela Delic

Italy 46-64 Sweden

Summary: Marco Crespi was at the helm of Italy two years ago, when they missed out on the Quarter-Finals at this stage, and he haunted his former employers by taking his young Sweden team into the last eight. They had a great start to the game with some excellent ball movement and plenty of aggression and never let up, as Italy misfired badly. 

Game Heroes: Frida Eldebrink had 22 points, while Kalis Lloyd played some nice defense and also had 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. Italy's Cecilia Zandalasini netted 19 points in defeat.

They Said: "We just went into the game and played really hard defense and made them feel uncomfortable. We strived from this early feeling, moved forward and got some great looks in offense. From that point onwards, we always felt like we could win." Sweden guard Frida Eldebrink

Spain 78-51 Montenegro

Summary: Co-hosts Spain made it three wins in a row as they entered the unfamiliar to them territory of the Qualification To The Quarter-Finals. They were too good and too deep for Montenegro, who had no answers in a one-sided second-half.

Game Heroes: Astou Ndour continued her good form by adding 17 points and 6 rebounds, but it was Maria Conde who stole the show with a near perfect shooting night, en-route to 19 points.

They Said: "I think we are playing super agressive defensively and this is giving us the freedom to play on offense. We don't have that pressure we had before and it is making the difference for us." Spanish forward Laura Gil.

Russia 93-75 Slovenia

Summary: Russia powered their way into the Quarter-Finals with a superb victory against Slovenia as they jumped out on their opponents in a blistering first half to get the hard work done early. 

Game Heroes: Raisa Musina was on fire and finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Elizaveta Komarova also weighed in with 20 points from 70 percent shooting from the floor, but then left with a worrying injury after a fall.  Shante Evans impressed for Slovenia, with 21 points and 8 rebounds.

They Said: "I am very happy with our three-point percentage, our aggressiveness and we are happy with the victory and to now be moving to the Quarter-Finals." Russia guard Elizaveta Komarova

FIBA