Favourites move into Last Four at U19 Women's Worlds

CHEKHOV/VIDNOE (2015 FIBA U19 Women's World Championship) - The four tournament favourites at the 2015 FIBA U19 Women's World Championship have all punched their tickets for the Semi-Finals.

Defending champions USA will play Spain after they blasted their way to a commanding 93-45 success in their Quarter-Final clash against Canada. Benefitting from a quick-fire 28-5, Dawn Staley and her team waltzed their way to victory with 12 points each for Napheesa Collier and Mariya Moore.

Spain relied on a dazzling double-double by forward Laura Quevedo to edge out Belgium, 70-66. She secured her nation a fifth consecutive Semi-Final berth after amassing 23 points and 13 rebounds, while team-mate Angela Salvadores contributed 21 points.

The winner of this Semi-Final tie will go up against either Australia or host nation, Russia. The Gems put in a powerful display to dismantle China, 83-46 as Kristy Wallace posted a captain's performance with a smart 12 points to compliment 14 points from Alanna Smith.

Raisa Musina was the standout player on Quarter-Finals day as she enjoyed a perfect shooting night for Russia who strolled to a 68-48 win against France.

The frontcourt star scored 19 points and didn't miss a single shot all night, going 7 of 7, while club team-mate Maria Vadeeva weighed in with 12 points and nine rebounds.

It also means that France will initially play China in the Classification Round 5-8, with Belgium locking horns against Canada.

In the Classification Round in Vidnoe to determine places 9-16, there was a first win of the tournament for Mali as they collected a wonderful 77-59 triumph against Chinese Taipei. Djeneba N'Diaye was in top form with 24 points.

The Malians will play Brazil next after the South American nation romped to an 84-66 victory against Egypt. Gabriela Guimaraes came up with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Netherlands roared their way to a 72-41 win against Korea as Emese Hof harvested 17 points and 12 rebounds. The Dutch will play Serbia on Saturday after they came from behind to beat Argentina, 66-59, with Snezana Bogicevic writing a nice line of 18 points and 12 rebounds.

FIBA