European Championship Division Day: 10 (Qualifying Round) - Sep. 14, 2008
Germany - Lithuania 57-67
Lithuania recorded road win against Germany despite it booked a spot for EuroBasket 2009 before this round. Sandra Valuzyte paced Lithuania to victory collecting 15 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Germany, which will continue battle for the above mentioned event in Additional Qualifying Round, got 17 points, 9 boards and 3 assists from Anne Breitreiner.

Israel - United Kingdom 75-69
Israel grabbed crucial victory for EuroBasket 2009. In case of defeat in this game, Israel would be transferred to Additional Qualifying Round and Ukraine will go to Latvia next year. Israel became the top team of Group A with score 6-2 mostly owing to 28 points and 5 boards by Shay Doron. Great Britain is moved to Relegation Round where it will fight for the survival in Division A.

Turkey - Italy 80-61
Turkey easily beat Italy at home but even before this game it was known that the hosts already qualified for EuroBasket 2009 while visitors will continue their battle for it in Additional Qualifying Round. Nevriye Yilmaz was the best scorer for the winning team with 13 points. Chiara Maria Franchini of Italy also had 13 points but with 6 rebounds.

Romania - France 71-72
France celebrated tight victory in Romania just proving its domination in Group C with score 7-1. Emmeline Ndongue demonstrated fantastic performance for the winners recording 18 points and 11 rebounds. Maria Pascalaus 21 points and 6 boards didn't help Romania to avoid Relegation Round.

Croatia - Hungary 62-72
Hungary made it in Croatia after over time improving to 5-3 in Group C. The great thing for Hungary is that it edged Ukraine finishing as a third best-placed team in four groups. Zsofia Fegyverneky, who netted 20 points and caught 6 boards, was the clutch player in Hungary. Croatia goes to Additional Qualification Round despite 16 points and 9 rebounds by Jelena Ivezic.

Bulgaria - Serbia 75-68
Bulgaria was better than Serbia improving to 2-4 but that didn't help it to avoid last place in Group D and Relegation Round. Lucky Serbia had to take this one but Greece done a good job against Belgium helping Serbia to reach EuroBasket 2009. Tanya Chirov was the best in Bulgaria with 21 points and 4 rebounds while Serbia got 14 points, 6 boards and 4 assists from Miljana Musovic.

Greece - Belgium 79-40
Greece just sealed a place for Latvia smashing Belgium in Athens. As it was during the entire qualifications, Evanthia Maltsi was the key player in Greece draining 30 points and grabbing 10 boards. Evelien Callens scored 14 points for Belgium, which is transferred to Additional Qualification Round as a third ranked team in Group D.

  European Championship Division Division A. The last round - Sep. 13, 2008
GROUP A
Israel-Great Britain 75:68

Israel clinched a place in the next summer's EuroBasket Women in Latvia. The team overcame Great Britain 75:68 last night in Ramat Gan. Only in the last period the hosts could satisfy 1200 spectators that came to support their local team and see them advancing to the Final round. Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) paced all the winners with 28 points. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) netted 12, while Suez Karni and Ekaterina Abramzon (186-F/C-87) posted 9 each. Kim Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) finished the night with 22 points for the Brits and Megan Moody (188-G/F-83, college: Tulsa) collected 16 points, 7 assists and 5 boards. The Israelis finished in the top in Group A to advance to next year's Final Round.
Great Britain opened the game with four consecutive points but Israel tied it at 7:7. The guests were in front for the majority of the first and Dori could only reduce for 14:17 at the end of the first. In the center of the second period the hosts produced a 6-0 run for 30:23. Liron Cohen made a lay-up for 34:25 at the halftime.
Great Britain struggle to leave the last spot in Group A and came back from the lockers with a desire to compete. They had 25:15 in the third period for 50:49 advantage after thirty minutes of the game. Three times Mark Clark's British team opened up four-point leads in the final period, the last time at 59:55 on a lay-up by Leedham. Liron Cohen made a lay-up to make it 65:61 for Israel with three minutes to play. Kim Butler scored and Leedham nailed a jumper to tie the contest at 65:65, but the Brits could not struggle any more. Doren and Liron Cohen led the hosts to 75:69 and the straight way to Latvia 2009.

Israel: Shay Doron 28, Liron Cohen 12, Suez Karni 9, Ekaterina Abramzon 9
Great Britain: Kim Butler 22, Megan Moody 16+7ast+5rebs
Germany-Lithuania 57:67

Lithuania advances to EuroBasket Final Round in Latvia after a road win over Germany in the last day of the Qualifying tournament. The Baltic side won 67:57 and clinched the second place in the group with 6-2 record. Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) paced all the winners with 15, points. Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) netted 13, while Egle Stakneviciene (190-C/F-85) and Diana Razmaite (196-C-75, agency: LBM Management) added 10 apiece. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) top-scored in defeat with 17 points and Dorothea Richter (176-G-83) scored 12.
Even though Lithuania needed the win more than Germany it was the latter to score first 4 points in the game. The hosts controlled the whole quarter but not the end of it when the Baltic team scored for 19:18. In the second period the score was tied three times. Danckerts free throw gave German team 30:29 advantage at the halftime.
Lithuania opened the second half with 9-0 run and went on a bigger lead. Egle Stakneviciene however could close the third at 48:44. Diana Razmaite capped the 8-0 run with a basket at the start of the fourth quarter and the Germans got no closer than four points the rest of the way. In the last minutes Lithuania mostly got their points from the free throw line. Gintare Petronyte ended up the game for 67:57 and the triumph of the Baltic side.

Germany: Anne Breitreiner 17, Dorothea Richter 12
Lithuania: Sandra Valuzyte 15, Gintare Petronyte 13, Egle Stakneviciene 10, Diana Razmaite 10  

GROUP B
Turkey-Italy 80:61 The National team of Turkey won Group B of European 2009 qualifiers. In their last game they did not allow Italy to hope for the best third place beating them 80:61. Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80) paced all the winners with 13 points. Yasemin Horasan (190-F/C-83) netted 12 and Saziye Karsli (185-F-82) added 11. Maria Chiara Franchini top-scored for the Italian side with 13 points, while Eva Giauro (204-C-86) had 10. Turkey finished the group with 7-1 record, the only loss from Polish team. The latter also finished with the same record but due to the games with each other Turkey settled down first. Saturday's setback for Italy has left them at 4-4. They can now only make it to Latvia if they are successful in next year's Additional Qualifying Round.
It was more important game for the Italians that tried to catch up 5-3 record. Both teams stayed even, 11:11 and 13:13 in the center of the first. Turkey pushed a bit the tempo for 21:18 in the end of the first period as Ivegin made a jump-shot. Yasemin Horasan brought Turkey 32:22 that was a disaster for the guests at that time. Ress kept the chances alive at the end of the first half for 40:34. Turkey did not look behind and never trailed after in the game. Alben with a lay-up made it 56:44 at the end of the third quarter. A 24:17 in the last brought Turkey the seventh win and left Italy out of this year dream.

Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 13, Yasemin Horasan 12, Saziye Karsli 11
Italy: Maria Chiara Franchini 13, Eva Giauro 10  
Poland - Bosnia and Herzegovina 91:45
Poland finished the 2009 EuroBasket Qualification campaign in style. They stormed past Bosnia and Herzegovina to improve to 7-1 record in Group B. Poland have already qualified to the European Championship in Riga and just sealed their second-place finish in the pool play. Bosnia meanwhile suffered their 7th loss in 8 games.
The hosts looked better right from the start as they opened the game with a 6:0 rally. Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) and Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, college: Abil.Christian) teamed up for 15 points in the first period and Poland led 24:15. Azra Becirovic (182-G-80) and Dragana Svitlica (190-C-88) cut the deficit to 5 points early in the second quarter but it was as close as Bosnia and Herzegovina could get. The hosts exploded with a 17:0 rally to accumulate a 22-point advantage. They later secured a 26-point halftime lead and never looked back in the second half. Ewelina Kobryn paced balanced Polish offense with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Daria Mieloszynska (188-F-83, college: Texas) and Anna Wielebnowska (188-C-78) had 14 points apiece in defeat. Lejla Bejtic (174-F-85) knocked down 18 points for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Azra Becirovic added 11 points and 7 rebounds in defeat. Poland outrebounded their opponents 40:23 and forced the visitors to 25 turnovers.

Poland: Ewelina Kobryn 18, Daria Mieloszynska 14, Anna Wielebnowska 14
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Lejla Bejtic 18, Azra Becirovic 11

GROUP C
Romania-France 71:72

France decided to win with some intrigue beating Romania in the last day of European 2009 qualifiers. With 22-11 in the last period France finished the group with 7-1 record which is the top position in it. The favorites overcame Romania in Timisoara and sent them to the Relegation Round with 1-7 record. Emmeline Ndongue (192-F-83) led the winners with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Endene Miyem (188-F-88) netted 14, while Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) collected 11 points and 11 boards. Maria Pascalau (194-C-82) top-scored in defeat with 21 points, Simina Mandache had 16 and Ildiko Vass (178-G-78) poured in 11.
The leaders of the group easily started with 4-0 run in the early beginning. Romania however did not mind and answered with 6 points in a row as Simina Mandache nailed a three for 6:4. Romania led the quarter but Lepron after two free throws gave the guests 25:24 advantage. The tempo slowed down in the second but still remained France in front. Celine Dumerc made a free throw in the end of the half for 38:36 lead.
Ildiko Vass tied the margin at 40:40 as Romania was in the center of their 11-0 run. The hosts played wonderful and realized the importance of their last game. Cutas closed the third at 60:50 making another free throw. For another five minutes Romania led the game ,but then France started to catch up. The score was tied three rimes in the last minutes when Emmeline Ndongue brought her team 72:69. Cutas reduced the gap from the line for 70:71 and Parau could not make the last shot.

Romania:Maria Pascalau 21, Simina Mandache 16, Ildiko Vass 11
France: Emmeline Ndongue 18+11 rebs, Endene Miyem 14, Celine Dumerc 11+11 rebs

Croatia-Hungary 62:72 OT

Hungary became the best third-place team in the four groups on a goal differential tie-breaker. In their last game of Group C the team stole an overtime victory from Croatia 62:72 in Osijek. Hungarians improved to 5-3 and edged out Ukraine in the race for the next year's EuroBasket Women. A 12-2 in overtime brought the most important victory for the guests in the tournament. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) led the winners with 20 points. Nora Bujdoso (188-F-85) nailed 17, while Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) collected 12 points and 9 boards. Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84) and Marta Cakic (175-G-82) posted 16 in defeat and Marija Vrsaljko (195-C-89) had 11.
It was the more important game for Hungary and they started to ruin the Croatian defense from the early beginning. After 11:10 lead Hungary improved to 25:15 with 2 minutes in the first. Nora Bujdoso made a three to close the first quarter at 28:14. In the same second period the guests looked more organizational and had 45:26 at the halftime.
Croatia meanwhile wanted to win the last game of the EuroBasket Women as well. They started to play much better after a rest in the lockers and new commands of the coach. Jelena Ivezic brought the hosts to 42:50 after thirty minutes of the game. It was her again in the fourth period to give the hosts their lead at 56:54 as Croatia dominated the court. Zsofia Fegyverneky tied the game at 60:60 with 22 seconds left in regulation by making one of two free throws. In overtime however the visitors were too good having 12-2 win and clinching the last spot in EuroBasket 2009 Women in Latvia.

Croatia: Jelena Ivezic 16, Marta Cakic 16, Marija Vrsaljko 11
Hungary: Zsofia Fegyverneky 20, Nora Bujdoso 17, Anna Vajda 12+9 rebs

GROUP D
Bulgaria-Serbia 75:68

Bulgaria won their last game of EuroBasket Women 2009 qualifying Group D. Samokov was glad to see the team closing the group with a win over Serbians 75:68. Tanya Chirov (180-F-81) led the winners with 21 points. Evelina Guneva (183-F-80, agency: Interperformances) netted 16, while Ivelina Vrantcheva (175-G-82) posted 15. Miljana Musovic (180-G-87) ended up with 14 points in the losing effort, while Ines Kresovic (182-G-84) added 12.
Bulgaria looked comfortable in the beginning of the game taking 7-0 lead. Serbia woke up immediately and replied for 7:7 as Kovacevic tied the game. Ines Kresovic closed the first quarter but Bulgaria enjoyed 19:17 lead. Four times in the second quarter the score was tied and only in the end of it Serbia went on a 9-0 run. The guests finished the half at 34:35 being in front.
The Bulgarians took the lead for good midway through the third quarter when Ivelina Vrantcheva and Tanya Chirov hit back-to-back three-pointers for a 48:42 advantage. The hosts remained in front in the end of the period for 61:52. Serbia tried hard but could come too close for the victory. Bulgaria held the score for good and finished the group with 2-4 record.

Bulgaria: Tanya Chirov 21, Evelina Guneva 16, Ivelina Vrantcheva 15
Serbia: Miljana Musovic 14, Ines Kresovic 12
Greece-Belgium 79:40
Greece stormed past Belgium in the last game of Group D at EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. An easy win in all the quarters lifted them up to 79:40 victory. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) was unstoppable with 30 points and 10 boards for the winners. Stella Kaltsidou (187-C/F-83) nailed 14, while Anastasia Kostaki (172-G-78) scored 11. Evelien Callens (188-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management) poured in 14 points in defeat and Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) netted 11.
With Greece trailing 6-5, a Evanthia Maltsi three-pointer sparked an 11-0 run that put her side in front for good. She closed the first quarter with another three for 26:10 advantage. Chatzinikolaous lay-up showed 30:10 as the teams started the second quarter. Belgium woke up and after 9-0 run reduced to 30:19. Greece did not stop and grabbed the control back as the team almost had 20 points at the half-time. Kalentzou was the last to score at the second quarter for 43:24.
The third period was not a favorite for the visitors. Belgium could not stay even in the game any more and failed with 9:19 in the quarter. Stella Kaltsidou made it 62:33 after thirty minutes played. In the last quarter both teams were killing time as the winner was known long time ago.

Greece: Evanthia Maltsi 30+10 rebs, Stella Kaltsidou 14, Anastasia Kostaki 11
Belgium: Evelien Callens 14, Kathy Wambe 11

  European Championship Division Division A. What to expect from the last day? - Sep. 13, 2008
Division A will close the doors tonight after the last game in European Championship qualifiers. Latvia 2009 will have for sure Turkey, Poland, France, Slovak Republic, Greece and Serbia. Israel, Lithuania, Ukraine, Italy and Hungary are still in a race for the three available tickets.
In Group A Israel and Lithuania need to win their game to advance to Latvia. Ukraine will be third, on a 5-3 record and might take the only ticket from that place. In Group B Italy can finish as the best of the third placed teams they will have to win in Turkey. To expect a place in Latvia as the best of the third placed teams, Hungary will have to beat Croatia tonight. If these all Ifs will became true then it would be an overall goal average and percentages question. So far Ukraine hopes for the ticket as in their last game the team won the last game of their EuroBasket Women qualifying Group A. The team struggled a lot to keep their chances alive after 90:85 overtime victory over Israel. Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) tied the game at the end of regulation with a lay-up to force overtime and then the hosts won the last one. Olexandra Gorbunova was unstoppable with 26 points and 10 rebounds. She is now the top-scorer in the Qualification Round with 20.9 points per game. Ukraine finished the group with 5-3 record, while Israel and Lithuanian will have one more game.

  European Championship Division Division A. Last but one - Sep. 10, 2008
GROUP A
Ukraine-Israel 90:85 OT

Ukrainian National team won the last game of their EuroBasket Women qualifying Group A. The team struggled a lot to keep their chances alive after 90:85 overtime victory over Israel. Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) tied the game at the end of regulation with a lay-up to force overtime and then the hosts won the last one. Olexandra Gorbunova was unstoppable with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Iryna Biryuk (178-G-78, agency: Promotex) nailed 15, while Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81) and Olena Zherzherunova (191-F-78, agency: LBM Management) each posted 12. Suez Karni top-scored for Israel with 20 points. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) produced 19 and Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) added 17. Ukraine finished the group with 5-3 record, while Israel and Lithuanian will have one more game.
Ukraine won the opening quarter and looked more desirable in the game. Suez Karni and Shay Doron did a lot of the damage for the Israelis as they went to the changing rooms with a 37:34 advantage. In the third quarter Ukraine played again better and looked forward to finish the game in the regulation time. Israel however could also win and was too close to it. Olexandra Gorbunova tied the game at the end of regulation with a lay-up to force overtime. Iryna Biryuk was the leader in the extra time for the winners and brought not only the win for the team but also a hope for Latvia Eurobasket 2009.

Ukraine: Olexandra Gorbunova 26+10 rebs, Iryna Biryuk 15, Olena Ogorodnikova 12, Olena Zherzherunova 12
Israel: Suez Karni 20, Liron Cohen 19, Shay Doron 17 

Great Britain-Germany 72:74
Germany left the bottom of Group A in EuroBasket Women qualifying after a road win over Great Britain. Germany used a 21-13 in the last period to seal 74:72 victory. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) had a fascinating game with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Dorothea Richter (176-G-83), Lisa Koop (198-C-85, college: Winthrop) and Katharina Kuhn (191-C-80) followed her with 8 points each. Megan Moody (188-G/F-83, college: Tulsa) top-scored for the hosts with 18 points and 6 rebounds, while Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87) netted 16.

Even though German side had 3:2 in the opening tip Great Britain scored 8 consecutive points for 10:3 advantage. The hosts looked more energetic in the first period but Anne Breitreiner reduced to 20:19 at the end of it. Mersch's three in the second quarter lifted the guests up to 29:31 as they pushed the tempo. The squads went to the lockers for 38:45 as Germany won the second 26:18.
The picture had changed definitely in the third period when the Brits took the control of the game. Trailing 41:47 they mounted in a 9-0 run for 50:47. Collins closed the third stanza from the arc for 59:53. Great Britain opened up a 62:53 advantage at the start of the final quarter but weren't able to hold the Germans at bay. Austmann brought German to 74:72 with a minute to go. The hosts could win the game but Megan Moody missed with a three-pointer one second from the end.

Great Britain:Megan Moody 18+6 rebs, Johannah Leedham 16
Germany:Anne Breitreiner 24+11 rebs, Dorothea Richter 8, Lisa Koop 8, Katharina Kuhn 8

GROUP B
Turkey- Bosnia and Herzegovina 79:50

Turkey improved to 6-1 record after a home win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B of the European Championship qualifiers. The team remains on top and clinched already the place in the EuroBasket Women in Riga, Latvia. Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80) led the winners with 18 points to 79:50 victory. Tugba Tasci (176-G-84) netted 13 and Nilay Yigit (170-G-79) posted 12. Matea Tavic (177-G-92) ended up with 12 points in the losing effort and Azra Becirovic (182-G-80) had 9.
Turkey opened the game with 11-0 run and grabbed the lead in the game. Bosnia and Herzegovina was far from giving up and caught up the hosts even in the first period. Matea Tavic's two threes brought the guests to 18:16. Turkey had a massive second period scoring basket after basket. The team used a 27:11 in the period for 45:27 lead at the halftime.
In the third quarter the scenario remained the same as the hosts dominated the court. A 20:14 in the period lifted them up to 65:41 after 30 minutes played. The hosts scored first 6 points in the last period as Bilge opened it with a jump-shot. Savic was the last to score in the game as Bosnia and Herzegovina fell at 1-6.

Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 18, Tugba Tasci 13, Nilay Yigit 12
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Matea Tavic 12, Azra Becirovic 9 

Finland-Poland 47:78
Poland improved to 6-1 after an easy road win over the Finnish squad in Espoo. The team remains on top of the group and advanced to the EuroBasket Women 2009 long time ago with Turkey. Poland won all the quarters to seal 78:47 victory over Finland. Daria Mieloszynska (188-F-83, college: Texas) led the winners with 14 points. Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, college: Abil.Christian) netted 12, while Magdalena Leciejewska (191-C-86) added 10. Niina Laaksonen (185-F/C-85) top-scored for the hosts with 11 points, whilst Michaela Moua (182-F/C-76, agency: LBM Management, college: Ohio St.) nailed 10.
It took more than three minutes for both squads to score first in the game. Daria Mieloszynska made a lay-up to give Polish side a lead but Niina Laaksonen' s three saw hosts for some time in front. A 6-0 run by the visitors allowed them to surge into a 15:7 advantage late in the first quarter. Sten closed the opening quarter at 17:10 for Poland. Finland managed to keep the game close and faced only a 17:14 deficit early in the second quarter when the Poles landed a killer blow. The squads left the court for the break with 24:36 and it became clear that Poland would not stop.
A massive 21:10 in the third period pushed them to 23 points lead after three quarters played. Again Sten made a jump-shot for 34:57 as the guests were too far from the opponent. In the last period the teams were just killing the time. It did not bother Poland to win another period 21:13 as they celebrated 78:47 victory.

Finland:Niina Laaksonen 11, Michaela Moua 10
Poland: Daria Mieloszynska 14, Agnieszka Bibrzycka 12, Magdalena Leciejewska 10  

GROUP C
Slovak Republic-Croatia 67:52

Slovak Republic advanced to the EuroBasket Women in Riga, Latvia. The team overcame Croatia 67:52 in their last game of the qualifiers. Slovak Republic finished the campaign with 5-3 record which is the second result in the group. Hungary can also have such a record, but Slovak Republic had a better difference between these two teams. Croatia fell at 2-5 and will have the last game on September 13th against Hungary. Zuzana Zirkova led the winners with 19 points and 6 rebounds. Lucia Kupcikova nailed 17, while Anna Jurcenkova (195-C-85) had 12. Marta Cakic topscored in defeat with 12 points, whilst Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84) added 11.
Slovak Republic needed a win, but looked a bit stressful in the opening quarter. Croatia used it as a chance for 20:18 lead at the end of the first. Croatia made Slovakia sweat with the score knotted at 31:31 at half-time. It was Laskova who scored a jump-shot as the teams went to the lockers. Slovakia outscored Croatia 14-4 in the third quarter for a 55:45 lead. Croatia could reply for 55:50 but that was all they could do. Another 6-0 run saw the hosts increasing the lead and starting thinking about EuroBasket Women in Riga, Latvia.

Slovak Republic: Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80) 19+6 rebs, Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) 17, Anna Jurcenkova (195-C-85) 12Croatia: Marta Cakic (175-G-82) 12, Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84) 11

Hungary-Romania 85:59
Hungary overcame Romania in Group C of their qualification for the EuroBasket Women. Trailing after the opening quarter the hosts managed to take an easy 85:59 victory. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) pace all the winners with 20 points. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) collected 13 points and 14 rebounds, while Petra Ujhelyi (192-C-80, college: S.Carolina) netted 11. Anne-Marie Parau (174-G-84) top-scored in defeat with 18 points and 7 rebounds, while Maria Pascalau (194-C-82) had 10.

Hungary improved to 4-3 record, but this will, not be enough to be in the first two from the group. While they cannot overcome Slovakia to finish second in Group C, they can hope to be the best third-place team in the four Division A groups.
Hungary won the opening tip and led 12:7 in the opening tip. Romania did not mind playing away from home and produced 21:16 at the end of the first period. Anna Vajda tied the score at 24 for both teams in the beginning of the second. Englert's free throw gave the hosts 35:33 lead after the first half.
The game was done in the third period that was decisive in the campaign. Hungary had 10-0 run through the period and increased to 59:43. Vida nailed a three to close the third period at 64:47. With 21:12 the hosts won the home game 85:59 and sent Romania to 1-6 record.

Hungary:Zsofia Fegyverneky 20, Anna Vajda 13+14 rebs, Petra Ujhelyi 11
Romania:Anne-Marie Parau 18+7 rebs, Maria Pascalau 10

GROUP D
Bulgaria-Greece 65:76

Greece got an important road win over Bulgaria tonight 65:76. The winners improved to 4-1 record in Group D of the European Championship qualifiers and clinched a place in the EuroBasket Women in Riga, Latvia. Stella Kaltsidou (187-C/F-83) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Anastasia Kostaki (172-G-78) posted 16, while Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) notched 11. Albena Branzova (192-F/C-71) collected 20 points and 13 boards for the hosts and Evelina Guneva (183-F-80, agency: Interperformances) had 13.
Chatzinikolaous two lay-up in the beginning of the game gave the guest 4-0 run. Albena Branzova however scored 6 in a row for the hosts to see them 6:4 in front. In a back-to-back quarter Anastasia Kostaki made it 18:15 for Greece. The latter was in front for the whole second period and looked more optimistic. Evelina Guneva sent the teams for the lockers with 32:37 for the visitors.
Dimitra Kalentzou scored for plus 11 in the third period for the Greek side. Chirov remained Bulgaria alive with 46:51 after the end of three quarters. Bulgaria tried hard but could only reduce a bit with 1.30 to play. Vrantcheva posted for 63:69 but that was all the hosts could do. Greece remained on top and won 76:65.

Bulgaria: Albena Branzova 20+13 rebs, Evelina Guneva 13
Greece: Stella Kaltsidou 19+10 rebs, Anastasia Kostaki 16, Dimitra Kalentzou 11

Serbia-Belgium 78:71

Serbia overcame Belgium 78:71 in Nis last night of EuroBasket Women qualifying Group D. Mostly due to the start of the game the hosts reached third straight win. Marija Eric (164-G-83) paced all the winners with 19 points. Miljana Musovic (180-G-87) netted 16, while Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) collected 15 points and 11 rebounds. Evelien Callens (188-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management) and Sara Leemans (178-G/F-88) top-scored in defeat with 18 points each. Serbia needs to beat Bulgaria in the last game to qualify to Latvia Eurobasket 2009. If Serbia lose and Belgium defeat Greece, the Belgians would win the head to head tie-breaker thanks to a superior goal differential in their games against the Serbians.
It was a tough start and the teams stayed close till 14:10. Later in the period the hosts produced a 5-0 run for 19:10 lead. Sara Leemans reduced the gap for the guests at the end of the first for 25:17. Belgium were on top at 32:29 after a layup by Laurence Van Malderen, but a three-pointer from Serbia's Zorica Mitov sparked an 11-0 run for the hosts. The teams went to the lockers with 42:37 as Serbia was in front.
The hosts improved to 62:54 at the end of the third period after 20:17 in the quarter. Evelien Callens tied the game for the visitors at 62:62 with a bit more than 7 minutes to go. A three-pointer by Evelien Callens gave Belgium a 71:69 lead with 4 minutes left in the contest but they failed to score the rest of the way. Kresovic first tied the encounter at 71:71 and then Serbia scored some more baskets for 78:71 win.

Serbia: Marija Eric 19, Miljana Musovic 16, Jelena Milovanovic 15+11 rebs
Belgium:Evelien Callens 18, Sara Leemans 18

  European Championship Division Division B. Day 5 results - Sep. 10, 2008
Group A
Montenegro - Iceland 92:72
Montenegrin National Team celebrated the 5th win in a row at the EuroBasket Division B tournament. Today they held off Iceland to remain on top of Group A. The hosts withstood another outstanding performance from Helena Sverrisdottir (185-G-88) to claim a comfortable win at the end. Icelandic topscorer poured in 34 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and issued 4 assists but it was not enough for the visitors to win. Milka Bjelica (193-F-81) netted 26 points, while Hajdana Radunovic (192-F/C-78) added 23 points and 11 boards to pace Montenegro to yet another impressive victory.
Montenegro capped the opening frame with a 14:0 run to clinch a 28:17 advantage. Milka Bjelica knocked down 7 points in the second quarter as the home team stretched the margin to 24 points at the sides change. The hosts never loosened the grip in the second half. They deepened the margin right after the long break and drove to a 29-point advantage at three-quarter time. Iceland failed to answer in the fourth term and suffered their 4th loss in the competition. Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) knocked down 16 points for the winners. Palina Gunnlaugsdottir (170-G-87) replied with 8 points for Iceland. Montenegro outrebounded their opponents 47:36 and forced Iceland to as many as 27 personal fouls.
Montenegro will next face Ireland away from home. Iceland will visit Switzerland.

Montenegro: Milka Bjelica 26, Hajdana Radunovic 23+11 boards, Jelena Dubljevic 16
Iceland: Helena Sverrisdottir 34, Palina Gunnlaugsdottir 8

Netherlands-Ireland 77:65
Ireland and Netherlands met each other La Almere to find out the team that will follow the leaders, Montenegro. Netherlands beat Ireland 77:65 and clinched 4-1 record, the second spot. A 27:11 was too much for the guests that fell at 3-2. Tanya Broring (177-G-84, agency: LBM Management) paced all the winners with 20 points. Naomi Halman (191-F/C-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Cal-Irvine) collected 19 points and 12 boards, while Leonie Kooij (187-F-86, agency: LBM Management) netted 14. Mary Fox (183-F-83) top-scored in defeat with 23 points and 12 rebounds and Michelle Aspell (168-G-75) had 10.
Naomi Halman scored first 4 points for her team as the hosts won the opening tip of the game. The team remained in front for the majority of time and had 21:19 with 30 seconds in the first. Clancy made a lay-up and tied the score at the end of the opening quarter. The squads were tied also at 27:27 but a 6-0 run gave the visitors 33:27 advantage. Tanya Broring sent the teams to the lockers for 34:41 as the hosts could not find an answer for some good shots from the visitors.
Holland climbed closer to Ireland at the end of the third quarter after 16:13 in the period. Mary Fox still kept the guests in front, 50:54 after a jump-shot made. A 14-0 run however was too much for Ireland in the last period. Netherlands scored almost everything the team tried and dominated the court. Leonie Kooij 's free throws at the end brought the hosts 77:65 victory.

Netherlands: Tanya Broring 20, Naomi Halman 19+12 rebs, Leonie Kooij 14
Ireland: Mary Fox 23+12 rebs, Michelle Aspell 10

Switzerland -Slovenia 54:79
Slovenia improved to 2-3 record in Group A of Division B of European Championship qualifiers. The team won over Switzerland 79:54 and kept the winless in the group. Maja Erkic (182-G/F-85) paced all the winners with 23 points. Kristina Verbole (193-F/C-88) collected 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Mojca Markovic (177-G-79) netted 10. Karen Twehues (182-G-83, college: Cincinnati) ended up with 19 points in the losing effort, while Sabrina Dealbi (183-F/C-82) had 14.

Slovenia easily scored first 8 points in the game winning the opening tip of the period. Baric closed the first quarter at 25:14 for the guests that looked for another win. The second period was a disaster for the hosts that failed for the whole campaign. Slovenia produced 25:10 to reach 50:24 at the halftime.

The game lost the tempo in the third period but both teams remained in the same difference. Gacner closed the third period at 67:40 as Slovenia won the period 17:16. Mwana Ngele made a lay-up for the hosts to open the last period. Switzerland looked less tired, but probably Slovenia though of another game at that time. Switzerland won the last period 14:12 but lost the game 54:79.

Switzerland:Karen Twehues 19, Sabrina Dealbi 14
Slovenia: Maja Erkic 23, Kristina Verbole 12+10 rebs, Mojca Markovic 10

Group B
Sweden - Macedonia 94:54
Swedish National Team cruised to their fourth straight win at the EuroBasket in Division B. Today they overwhelmed Macedonia at home to stay alone at the helm of Group B. Macedonia slipped to 2-2 record and occupied the third spot in the pool.
The game turned into a one-sided traffic as the hosts dominated every aspect of the game. Sweden built a 20:10 lead after the starting stanza and as Macedonian defense collapsed in the second frame stretched the margin to 27 points at halftime. Slavica Dimovska (-85) and Samardijska cut the deficit to 22 points in the third quarter but the home team closed the stanza with 9 straight points for a 31-point advantage. Sweden never looked back in the fourth quarter and secured a stunning victory at the end. Elin Eldebrink (174-G-88) topscored for Sweden with 17 points. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88) and Thyra Liljestrand (178-G-80) added 14 points apiece for the winners. Samardijska answered with 18 points and 10 rebounds for Macedonia. Radenkovikj secured 12 points in defeat. Macedonia managed to outrebound the hosts 34:33 but sank just 38% from the field. Sweden responded with 48% field goal accuracy and forced Macedonia to as many as 25 turnovers.
Macedonia will next take on Estonia away from home. Sweden will face Portugal at home in the next round.

Sweden: Elin Eldebrink 17, Frida Eldebrink 14, Thyra Liljestrand 14
Macedonia: Bojana Samardjiska 18+10 boards, Radenkovikj 12

Estonia - Luxembourg 75:53
Estonian National Team finally broke the ice as they held off Luxembourg today for the initial win at the EuroBasket in Division B tournament. A comfortable victory allowed Estonia to improve to 3-1 record in Group B. Luxembourg meanwhile was left winless at the bottom of the ladder.
Luxembourg started the game as vivid underdogs however three trebles from Nadia Mossong (183-F-86) were quite surprising for the hosts early in the game. Estonia were coming back to life till the very end of the opening period before Kedru Arbet (185-F-80) knocked down 4 straight points to put the home team up 17:13. Pirgit Puu (170-G-88) accounted for 8 points in a row midway through the second frame and Estonia cleared off to a 16-point distance. Anzela Okuneva (174-G-84) capped the first half with a jumper to give the hosts a 15-point cushion. Estonia maintained the distance throughout the third quarter and obviously gained control over the tempo. They stretched the margin to 28 points before the final term and never looked back in the fourth quarter.
Kedru Arbet led the hosts with 15 points and 6 rebounds. Katrin Olmari (184-F-75) and Viive-Kai Rebane (184-F-89) added 12 points apiece for the winners. Lisy Hetting (169-G-90) answered with 17 points for Luxembourg. Nadia Mossong had 16 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.
Estonia will next play against Macedonia at home, while Luxembourg will take on Macedonia on the road.

Estonia: Kedru Arbet 15, Katrin Olmari 12, Viive-Kai Rebane 12
Luxembourg: Lisy Hetting 17, Nadia Mossong 16

  European Championship Division Division B. Day 4 results - Sep. 7, 2008
Group A
Ireland - Iceland 68:59

Irish National Team secured a tough win over visiting Iceland to remain to hopeful about their chances in the Division A spot hunt. They improved to 3-1 record in Group A, while the loss dropped Iceland to 1-3.
The teams entered the game cautiously with neither side rushing the things. However 5 points from Niamh Dwyer (176-G-82, college: Monmouth) allowed the hosts to pile up a 24:18 lead after ten minutes of action. The visitors however kept it close as their main weapon started to work. Three-pointers from Petrunella Skuladottir and Kristrun Sigurjonsdottir (178-F-85) drew things level at 28. Soon a 6:1 run from Iceland put them in charge 38:34. They secured a 40:37 advantage at halftime. Palina Gunnlaugsdottir (170-G-87) opened the third frame with a treble to open a 6-point lead for Iceland. However the home team found the way to recover and Michelle Aspell (168-G) and Moran closed the period with 5 straight points to propel Ireland to a 55:52 advantage. Michelle Fahy (-82) and Clancy ignited an 8:0 rally from Ireland midway through the fourth quarter and the hosts cleared off to a 10-point distance. Iceland failed to come any closer and lost the game. Moran finished with 17 points and 8 rebounds for Ireland. Michelle Aspell and Michelle Fahy added 12 points apiece for the winners. Palina Gunnlaugsdottir answered with 15 points for Iceland. Helena Sverrisdottir (185-G-88) delivered 12 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.

Ireland: Sarah Moran 17, Michelle Aspell 12, Michelle Fahy 12
Iceland: Palina Gunnlaugsdottir 15, Helena Sverrisdottir 12

Netherlands - Switzerland 83:46The Dutch National Team handled Switzerland in La Almere to improve to 3-1 record in EuroBasket Division B contest. They are now one win away from Montenegro in Group A. Netherlands also share the second spot with Ireland, both teams enjoy a 3-1 record and hope to reach the semis. Switzerland meanwhile remained winless at the bottom of the standings. Two teams of Group A and B will qualify to the semifinal stage and the winners of the semis will advance to Division A.
The hosts dominated from the beginning till the end and recorded a deserved win. Anouk Biesters (182-G/F-86) led the hosts with 19 points. Leonie Kooij (187-F-86, agency: LBM Management) added 15 points and 10 boards, while Laura Kooij (183-F-82) and Tanya Broring (177-G-84, agency: LBM Management) had 10 points apiece in the win. Karen Twehues (183-G-83, college: Cincinnati) led all scorers with 24 points, but she committed 10 turnovers down the stretch. Muller knocked down 8 points in defeat.
The home side outrebounded their opponents 54:32 and forced Swiss team to 20 turnovers. The visitors shot woeful 16% from the close range and 58% from the stripe. Netherlands answered with 44% accuracy.
The Dutch team will take on their key opponents Ireland at home on Wednesday. Swiss team will host Slovenia the same day.

Netherlands: Anouk Biesters 19, Leonie Kooij 15+10 boards, Laura Kooij 10, Tanya Broring 10
Switzerland: Karen Twehues 24, Bettina Muller 8

Slovenia - Montenegro 69:74
Montenegrin National Team remained undefeated as they posted the 5th win in EuroBasket in Division B competition yesterday. Montenegro prevailed against Slovenia 74:69 in Kranjska Gora to keep their top position in Group A. Slovenia fell to 1-3 record after the loss. Slovenia jumped to a 4:0 lead early in the game but Montenegro quickly came back to life. They crowned the opening stanza with a 13:5 run to build an 18:14 lead. Milka Bjelica (193-F-81) scored 11 points in the second frame but Maja Erkic (182-G/F-85) and Nika Baric (168-G-92) answered with 13 points for Slovenia as the hosts surged ahead for a 35:31 halftime advantage. Knezevic fueled a 13:5 run from the visitors as they grabbed a 44:40 lead midway through the third frame. Slovenia stayed close and Montenegro headed into the final period leading by just one point 52:51. Montenegro used a 10:1 surge to stretch the margin to 8 points with less than 4 minutes remaining in regulation. The three-pointer from Daliborka Jokic (185-F-81) dragged the hosts within 5 points with 36 seconds left to go but Hajdana Radunovic (192-F/C-78) and Milka Bjelica sealed the winning outcome from the charity stripe for Montenegro. Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) tallied 20 points and 14 boards for the winning side. Milka Bjelica had 17 points, while Hajdana Radunovic added 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Daliborka Jokic answered with 17 points, 8 boards and 5 assists for Slovenia. Katarina Ristic (173-G-84) had 12 points in defeat. Slovenia visits Switzerland, while Montenegro hosts Iceland in the next round.

Slovenia: Daliborka Jokic 17, Katarina Ristic 12
Montenegro: Jelena Dubljevic 20+14 boards, Milka Bjelica 17, Hajdana Radunovic 15

Group B
Macedonia-Portugal 68:75
Portugal handed Macedonia the first loss in Division B of European Championship. The team had a road 68:75 win to improve at 3-1, while sending Macedonians to 2-1 record. Paula Muxiri (186-F/C-81, college: ODU) paced all the winners with 23 points. Freitas netted 20, while Sofia Ramalho (168-G-80) added 11. Elena Radenkovik ended up with 17 points in the losing effort. Gavriloska, Slavica Dimovska (-85) and Samardjiska all scored 13 for Macedonians.
It may sound strange but last night Skopje saw two games between Macedonia and Portugal. FYR Macedonia Men celebrated the first win in European Championship qualifier beating Portugal at home. Skopje enjoyed 85:48 victory with an easy start of the local team.
The Women Macedonian team started with 20:15 in the opening quarter. Elena Radenkovik gave her team 28:21 later in the second. Portugal however was better at the end of the half producing 11-2 run and took 32:36 at the halftime. In the third period the guests held the hosts to 5-7 points and finished the period at 51:55. Radenkovikj tied the game at 55:55 and Slavica Dimovskas three gave the hosts 64:61 lead. Portugal did not panic and answered with some good baskets to seal the win.

Macedonia: Elena Radenkovik 17, Gavriloska 13, Slavica Dimovska 13, Samardjiska 13
Portugal: Paula Muxiri 23, Freitas 20, Sofia Ramalho 11

Luxembourg - Sweden 31:73Swedish National Team get closer to the playoff stage at the EuroBasket in Division B competition. Yesterday they secured the third straight win and remained among the leaders in Group B. The Scandinavian team thumped Luxembourg away from home. It was the third loss in a row for the hosting side. Sweden showed their ambitions early in the game. They knocked down 8 unanswered points at the start of the encounter and kept the hosts at bay throughout the quarter. The visitors piled up a 17:6 advantage at the first intermission. Luxembourg never recovered in the second term. Sweden drove confidently and secured a 29:15 lead at the interval. A 9:0 rally from Sweden early in the third quarter allowed them to open up a 20-point advantage. Luxembourg mainly relied on Nadia Mossong (183-F-86) in offense but her effort was not enough to scare Swedish side. The visitors easily kept their opponents at bay in the fourth term and secured a stunning win at the end. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89) notched 13 points for Sweden. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88) added 12 points, while Elin Eldebrink (174-G-88) had 11 for the winners. Nadia Mossong topscored with 20 points for Luxembourg. Jil Haentges (182-C-90) netted 6 points in the losing case.

Luxembourg: Nadia Mossong 20, Jil Haentges 6
Sweden: Louice Halvarsson 13, Frida Eldebrink 12, Elin Eldebrink 11

  European Championship Division Division A recent results and stats - Sep. 7, 2008
GROUP A
Germany-Ukraine 74:65

Germany celebrated the first win in EuroBasket Women Qualifying Group A. It took them six games to taste the initial victory last night in Berlin. A great first half propelled them over Ukraine 74:65. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) led the winners with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Dorothea Richter (176-G-83) nailed 14 and Cornelia Janzon (192-F/C-81) had 10. Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) top-scored for the Ukrainian side with 22 points, while Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81) added 12.
Although Olexandra Gorbunova opened the scoring account for both teams, Germany used a 7-0 to take the 7:2 lead. Germany set the tone early by outscoring Ukraine 22:13 in the opening quarter. The hosts played better in the second and with another 19:13 had 15-point advantage. Kozachenko closed the half at 41:26 as the teams went to the lockers.
Ukraina tried to stay within 10 points, but had difficulties in the third period. After Zherzherunova scored for 44:34, Bavendam made 57:39 with 3 minutes in the third. Zherzherunova brought 60:46 at the end of the third period. A Anne Breitreiner lay-up then stretched the advantage to 65:46 with 7 minutes remaining in the game. At that time Ukraine had no power to compete, even though the team had to win that game. The guests reduced a bit and finished the game with 74:65 for the Germans.


Germany: Anne Breitreiner 23+7 rebs, Dorothea Richter 14, Cornelia Janzon 10
Ukraine: Olexandra Gorbunova 22, Olena Ogorodnikova 12

Lithuania-Great Britain 76:68

Lithuania moves to the top of the group after a home win over Great Britain in Group A of EuroBasket Women qualifying on Saturday. Trailing 19:22 after the opening quarter the Baltic side burst a 20:6 run in the third period. Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) led the winners with 24 points and 4 rebounds. Egle Stakneviciene (190-C/F-85) netted 18, while Rima Valentiene (170-G-78) and Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) added 12 apiece. Kim Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) collected 18 points and 10 rebounds in defeat and Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87) posted 17.
Egle Stakneviciene scored first 4 points in the game to give her team an opening success. Johannah Leedham tied the game at 15:15 and then Handy finished 9-0 run of her team in the end of the period. Jones closed the quarter at 22:19 for the Brits. Unbelievable second quarter kept the teams together 6 times! The score was also even after the first half, 40:40. The game was knotted at 42:42 early in the third quarter when two Sandra Valuzyte free throws started a 13-0 run for the Lithuanians. It was a part of 20-6 win in the third period. Sandra Valuzyte was the last to score in the third for 60:46. In the last stanza Great Britain could only reduce to 6 points with 1 minute to go. Again Sandra Valuzyte made the final, 76:68 win.

Lithuania: Sandra Valuzyte 24+4 rebs, Egle Stakneviciene 18, Rima Valentiene 12, Gintare Petronyte 12
Great Britain: Kim Butler 18+10 rebs, Johannah Leedham 17

GROUP B
Italy- Bosnia and Herzegovina 75:49

Italy easily overcame Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday at home. The EuroBasket Women qualifying saw the hosts taking 75:49 victory to improve to 4-3 record. Kathrin Ress (193-F-85, college: Boston Coll.) led the winners with 19 points and 4 rebounds. Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) netted 14, while Eva Giauro (204-C-86) scored 8. Biljana Savic (190-C-83) finished the night with 14 points and Aida Pilav (187-C-87) posted 10. Bosnia and Herzegovina fell at 1-5 but has a chance to leave the last position in the group.
Biljana Savic and Bejtic scored for 4:0 as Bosnia and Herzegovina won the opening tip of the game. Trailing in the whole period Italy was managed to grab the lead at the end of the first quarter, 14:13. In the second quarter Italy looked too good and opened it with 8-0 run. Kathrin Ress made it 41:21 as the teams went to the lockers.
It was difficult for the visitors to change something in the game. The margin balanced between 15-20 points throughout the whole quarter. Deura made a lay-up for 61:44 at the end of the third period. In the last quarter Italy played more defensively and allowed the guests to score only 5 points. Kathrin Ress set up the final, 75:49 score as Italians are third in the group with 4-3 record.

Italy: Kathrin Ress 19, Simona Ballardini 14, Eva Giauro 8
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Biljana Savic 14, Aida Pilav 10

Turkey-Finland 76:42

Turkey National team improved to 5-1 in Group B of European Championship and tied Poland there. Turkey destroyed Finland 76:42 with great offensive and defensive styles. Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) led the winners with 11 points and 4 rebounds, while Sariye Gokce (176-F-79) and Naile Ivegin (186-F/C-85) added 10 each. Niina Laaksonen (185-F/C-85) top-scored in defeat with 14 points, while Tiina Sten (185-G/F-85) scored 10.
Naile Ivegin got the scoring started for Turkey with a jump hook that finished a long offense. Tiina Sten then sparked Finland with a floating layup but Yigit added a driving basket for a 4:2. Turkey was too good in the opening quarter taking 23:6 at the end of it. Karsli made it 35:9 and it became clear at that time that Finland would not catch up. Horasan scored for 42:16 as the teams left the court for the break.
Both teams struggled to score after the break, as Turkey kept trying to collect steals by covering the passing lines. Finland even struggled to get shots now but Esmeral Tuncluer stepped into the void with a jump hook. Turkey was not slowing the game tempo to maximize its options. The team produced 21:16 to finish the third period at 63:32. In the end of the game the teams just were killing the time and as a result the score in the last period was 13:10. Sario made a lay-up for the visitors to set up 76:42 score.

Turkey: Esmeral Tuncluer 11, Sariye Gokce 10, Naile Ivegin 10
Finland: Niina Laaksonen 14, Tiina Sten 10

GROUP C
Romania-Slovak Republic 67:83

After Slovak Republic created an upset for the favorite of Group C beating France at home, they were the favorites against Romania. Arad saw another loss of the local team with 67:83 to Slovak Republic. The latter managed to win all the quarters to improve to 4-3 record. Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80) was unstoppable with 30 points and 5 rebounds. Anna Jurcenkova (195-C-85) nailed 13, while Lucia Laskova (187-F-80, agency: LBM Management) collected 6 points and 7 rebounds. Romania fell at 1-5 and remains on the bottom.
The Romanians held a 12:9 advantage almost four minutes into the contest after two free throws from center Bianca Vescan (186-C-78). The hosts tried hard but lost the opening period 21:23. Ruzickova finished the guests 7-0 run for 33:22. Lucia Laskova's three was the last at the first half as Slovak Republic had 42:34.
In the third quarter the visitors led 10-15 points throughout the period. Ardeleanu brought the hosts back to 44:54 but then Anna Jurcenkova led to 46:62. Bianca Vescan made it 48:62 as the teams finished thirty minutes of the game. In the last period Romania could not closer than to 12 points. Moreover Anna Jurcenkova nailed another two for plus 20 with less than 7 minutes to go. Orosz set up the final, 67:83 score as Slovak Republic remains second in the group.

Romania: Maria Pascalau (194-C-82) 19+12 rebs, Bianca Vescan 15
Slovak Republic: Zuzana Zirkova 30+5 rebs, Anna Jurcenkova 13, Lucia Laskova 6+7 rebs

France-Hungary 68:64 OT

France deserved a place in next year's EuroBasket after winning Group C of the qualifier. The favorites needed overtime to outscore Hungary that looked also great in the game. Bourges and 2000 spectators saw 68:64 win of the local team that improved to 6-1 in the group. Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) and Emmeline Ndongue (192-F-83) led the winners with 12 points apiece. Yacoubou-Dehoui collected 11 points and 11 boards in the winning effort. Nora Bujdoso (188-F-85) top-scored in defeat with 17 points, while Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) had 13 points and 14 rebounds. Hungary slumped to 3-3 and they finish with games against Romania and Croatia.
Hungary needed a win more than France as they struggle for the second position. That is why the opening tip of the game belonged to them. Englert made it 8:10 with less than 5 minutes in the first period. Only at that time France woke up and finished the first at 16:12 as Nora Bujdoso made a jump-shot. France increased to 34:24 at the halftime when Fegyverneky was the last to score at the half.
Hungary began to catch up with the opponent in the second half and had 17:15 in the third for 49:41. Yacoubou-Dehoui refused the guests to reduce and made it 56:46 with 6.22 to go. Hungary mounted in 10-0 run at that time and tied at 56:56. Miyem's free throw sent the teams to the overtime as the score was 58:58 in the end of the regulation time. After Anna Vajda scored for 64:64, France posted 4 more points to seal the 6th win in the group.

France: Celine Dumerc 12+10 rebs, Emmeline Ndongue 12, Yacoubou-Dehoui 11+11 rebs
Hungary: Nora Bujdoso 17, Anna Vajda 13+14 rebs

GROUP D
Belgium-Bulgaria 87:60

Belgium overcame Bulgaria in the game for the second win in Group D of European Championship qualifiers. A 25:10 in the last stanza were too much for the visitors that lost 87:60. Stephanie Dubuc (175-F/G-85) and Evelien Callens (188-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management) led the way with 17 points apiece. Van Malderen followed them with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Tanya Chirov (180-F-81) finished the night with 14 points in defeat, while Albena Branzova (192-F/C-71) collected 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Belgians improved to 2-2 in Group D while dropping the Bulgarians to 1-3.
Bulgaria was mostly in front in the opening tip until 11:12 when Albena Branzova made the second free throw. Belgium bounced back immediately and had 25:18 entering the second period as Carpreaux closed first with a lay-up. Slavova tied the game for the visitors at 30:30. A Kathy Wambe lay-up then sparked a 10-0 run that put Belgium in front for good this time. The hosts went to the changing rooms leading 41:31 and they went in front by as many as 13 in the third quarter. Leemans however closed the third at 62:50 for the hosts. De Mondt's three made it plus 15 and then her three pointers again saw Belgians with plus 21. A 25:10 in the period brought the second win for the hosts and the third upset for the visitors.

Belgium: Stephanie Dubuc 17, Evelien Callens 17, Van Malderen 13
Bulgaria: Tanya Chirov 14, Albena Branzova 12+10 rebs
Greece-Serbia 61:64 Serbia handed Greece the first loss and made it away from home in Glyfada. An outstanding game from both teams remained interesting until the last minutes. Ines Kresovic (182-G-84) led the winners with 19 points and 5 rebounds for 64:61 victory. Marija Eric (164-G-83) netted 13 and Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) posted 10. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) top-scored in the losing effort with 21 points and Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) added 17. Greece still lead Group D with a 3-1 record while Belgium and Serbia are both 2-2.
Serbia was in front of the opening quarter for the majority of time but Greece mounted in a 8-0 run for 14:11 lead. Papamichail increased the hosts lead to 10 points at 25:15. Serbia managed to catch up with the opponent and the teams left the court for the break at 28:26. Trailing 2 points at half-time, the visitors outscored Greece 20-12 over the next ten minutes to take the lead for good. Dimitra Kalentzou was the last to score at the end of the third period for 40:46. Honestly Serbia deserved the win more than the hosts and they proved it leading the last period for the whole time. Ines Kresovic made it 52:61 with only 37 seconds left. Greece however did not give up and everything they could do was to stay closer at 61:64.

Greece: Evanthia Maltsi 21, Dimitra Kalentzou 17
Serbia: Ines Kresovic 19+5 rebs, Marija Eric 13, Jelena Milovanovic 10

  European Championship Division Division B. Day 3 results - Sep. 4, 2008
Group A Iceland - Slovenia 69:94
Slovenian National Team celebrated their first win at the EuroBasket in Division B tournament. Yesterday they beat Iceland to reach their opponents in the ladder with 1-2 record. The teams kept it close in the first frame with the scoreline read 25:25 at the end. However the visitors opened the second quarter with an 8:0 run to clear off. Maja Erkic (182-G/F-85), Daliborka Jokic (185-F-81) and Mojca Markovic (177-G-79) soon opened a double-digit lead for Slovenia. The visiting side took over and piled up a 16-point advantage at the interval. Iceland failed to recover right after the break and the situation did not change in the third frame. Slovenia easly maintained the margin and entered the fourth quarter up by 16 points. Slovenia stayed cool in the fourth term and did not allow the hosts to threaten their lead. Mojca Markovic poured in 22 points to pace Slovenia. Maja Erkic and Daliborka Jokic had 20 points each in a winning effort. Helena Sverrisdottir (185-G-88) answered with 18 points, 12 boards and 9 assists for Iceland. Signy Hermannsdottir (190-C-78, college: Cameron) added 11 points and 9 rebounds in defeat. Iceland will now take on Ireland in the next round. Slovenia will host undefeated Montenegro on Saturday.

Iceland: Helena Sverrisdottir 18+12 boards, Signy Hermannsdottir 11
Slovenia: Mojca Markovic 22, Maja Erkic 20, Daliborka Jokic 20<> <>Switzerland - Irealnd 65:79
Irish National Team grabbed their second win at the EuroBasket Division B campaign. They thus improved to 2-1 record in Group A, while Swiss team remained winless at 0-3. Both teams entered the game bravely trading the baskets. However Ireland used three straight trebles from Michelle Aspell (168-G) and Fox to surge ahead 22:10 midway through the first period. The hosts' defense did not look solid at the moment as Ireland managed 31 points in the opening frame and claimed an 11-point advantage. Niamh Dwyer (176-G-82, college: Monmouth) and Scally stretched the margin to as many as 18 points early in the second quarter. But rol converted a three-point play and Chauvin fired from downtown to shave the deficit to 12 points. Sarah Moran scored the last basket of the first half and Ireland headed into locke room leading by 13 points. Viola Augugliaro (168-G-89) notched 8 points and Karen Twehues (183-G-83, college: Cincinnati) added a three-pointer attempt to drag the home team within 7 points from the visitors at the start of the third quarter. Fahy and Michelle Aspell however remained confident as their baskets kept Irish team in charge. Sarah Moran, Fahy and Michelle Aspell secured a comfortable voyage for Ireland throughout the fourth term as Switzerland failed to come close enough for a decisive rally. Michelle Aspell put on a pivotal performance with 25 points and 5 rebounds for Ireland. Sarah Moran provided 19 points and 7 boards, while Niamh Dwyer added 14 points for the winners. Karen Twehues answered with 17 points for Switzerland. Viola Augugliaro notched 16 points in defeat.
Switzerland will take on Netherlands away from home, while Ireland will host Iceland at home on Saturday.

Switzerland: Karen Twehues 17, Viola Augugliaro 16
Ireland: Michelle Aspell 25, Sarah Moran 19, Niamh Dwyer 14 <><>Montenegro - Netherlands 82:80<><>Group BPortugal - Luxembourg 80:32
Paula Muxiri (186-F/C-81, college: ODU) nailed 19 points and grabbed 8 boards and Portuguese National Team cruised past Luxembourg at home in EuroBasket Division B tournament yesterday. It was the second win for Portugal in the chase of Division A spot. Portugal improved to 2-1 record, while Luxembourg slipped to 0-2 in Group B. The hosts grabbed the initiative right from the start. Paula Muxiri, Joana Lopes (185-G/F-86) and Sara Filipe (187-F-82) paced Portugal to a 19:4 lead early on. The hosts enjoyed a 26:5 advantage after the opening frame. Portugal kept their opponents at bay in the secind frame limiting them to just 5 points in the period and secured a 38:10 advantage at halftime. The onslaught continued in the second half as the home team easily stretched the margin to 40 points. Luxembourg showed some character in the fourth term as they tried to answer for every basket from the home side but it did not impact the final result. Joana Lopes secured 16 points and pulled down 7 rebounds for Portugal. Sara Filipe contributed 10 points for the winners. Claire Margue (170-G-81) scored 9 points for Luxembourg. Jil Haentges (182-C-90) added 7 points in defeat.
Portugal will play against Macedonia away from home, while Luxembourg will host Sweden on Saturday.

Portugal: Paula Muxiri 19, Joana Lopes 16, Sara Filipe 10
Luxembourg: Claire Margue 9, Jil Haentges 7 <><>Sweden - Estonia 76:45
Swedish National Team secured their second straight win in EuroBasket in Division B campaign. They thus improved to 2-0 record among the leaders in Group B. Estonia in the meantime suffered their third loss in a row and remained at the bottom of the table. Eldebrink sisters notched 9 points in the opening stanza and Sweden spurred ahead 18:6. The hosts extended the margin to 15 points in the second quarter and maintained the margin. Barthold and Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89) teamed up for 8 points at the start of the third quarter to lift Sweden to a 45:25 advantage. The home team closed the third period with a 12:0 rally to build a 22-point lead. Estonia did not come back to life in the fourth quarter and had to surrender at the end. Louice Halvarsson led balanced Swedish offense with 15 points. Elin Eldebrink (174-G-88) provided 11 points and 6 assists, while Nina Risto (188-F-85, agency: Rasmussen Services) knocked down 10 points for the winners. Merike Anderson (177-G-81) answered with 16 points for Estonia. Kedru Arbet (185-F-80) came up with 8 points in the loss. Sweden limited their opponents to just 32% accuracy and outrebounded them 47:31. Estonia also suffered 21 turnovers down the stretch. Estonia will play against Luxembourg at home on September 10. Sweden visit Luxembourg on Saturday.

Sweden: Louice Halvarsson 15, Elin Eldebrink 11, Nina Risto 10
Estonia: Merike Anderson 16, Kedru Arbet 8

  European Championship DivisionDivision A. Qualifying Day 6 - Sep. 3, 2008
GROUP A
Ukraine-Lithuania 68:73

Ukrainian National team could not join Israel ion top of Group A of EuroBasket Women qualifier. The team lost to Lithuania in Kiev 68:73 and even fell to the third position. Coming off a 16-point home setback, Lithuania needed to prevail to have a good chance of claiming second spot in the standings. Diana Razmaite (196-C-75, agency: LBM Management) top-scored for the winners with 17 points. Rima Valentiene (170-G-78) netted 14, while Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) collected 12 points and 7 rebounds. Ukrainian leaders Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) and Olena Zherzherunova (191-F-78, agency: LBM Management) posted 19 points apiece.
Both teams started quickly, but it was Baltic side who took the early advantage. A Diana Razmaite's jump-shot saw her team take an 15:9 lead. Ukraine woke up immediately and established a one-point lead at 20:19. Ukraine had the greater offensive threat in the second quarter and the hosts improved to 4 points advantage. Biryuk sent the teams to the lockers for 42:38 making the second free throw. Ukraine's shooting continued and the hosts reached 47:38 in the beginning of the third. Lithuania had the wind in their sails, though, and reeled off seven more points in a row to lead 55:49. In the decisive spurt, Ciudariene split a pair of free throws and Rima Valentiene made two at the line before Gintare Petronyte drilled a jumper. Lithuania wins 73:68 and ties Ukraine in the ladder at 4-2.

Ukraine: Olexandra Gorbunova 19, Olena Zherzherunova 19
Lithuania: Diana Razmaite 17, Rima Valentiene 14, Sandra Valuzyte 12+7 rebs

Israel-Germany 74:56

Israel improved to 5-1 in EuroBasket Women qualifying Group A with a 74:59 victory over winless Germany. First three quarters were enough to seal the win and to top the group first. Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) led the winners with 25 points and 4 rebounds. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) followed her with 13, while Laine Selwyn (170-G-81, college: Pittsburgh) netted 12. Bavendam finished the night with 14 points for the guests and Sarah Austmann (181-G/F-85) netted 11.
It was a tight opening to the game, with both teams struggling to make their shots. However, Israel enjoyed more success and led 8-0 early on. After a short delay Germany resumed action and closed to 15:12 at the end of the opening quarter. The guests were re-energised and found some scoring accuracy to reduce the arrears to three points.In the second stanza Israel started to increase and led to 20:13 in the period. Shay Doron made it 35:25 at the halftime.
The hosts came out fastest in the second half, hitting the first points to lead 49:27. Liron Cohen with a jump-shot set up 63:39 after the teams were on the way to start the last period. Sarah Austmann scored 5 points of the team's 7 as Germany woke up in the game. They reduced to 63:46 with 7 minutes to play. Israel did not worry too much about the game as it was done in the first three quarters. Fleischer made the second free throw for 74:59 home win.

Israel:Shay Doron 25+4 rebs, Liron Cohen 13, Laine Selwyn 12
Germany: Bavendam 14, Sarah Austmann 11

GROUP B
Finland-Italy 52:68

Italian National team improved to 3-3 record in Group B and follow Poland and Turkey in it. Finland tried hard for the second win at home, but had to admit 52:68 loss. Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Kathrin Ress (193-F-85, college: Boston Coll.) followed her with 13 points, while Francesca Modica (175-G-81) netted 8. Tiina Sten (185-G/F-85) ended up with 16 points and 4 rebounds in defeat and Niina Laaksonen (185-F/C-85) collected 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Gianolla's lay-up was the first in Espoo as the guests went on a lead. Italy remained in front for the whole period and finished it with 20:16 as Francesca Modica made a jump-shot. Having established a 35:28 lead by half-time, Italy turned up the heat after the break. Firs six points in the third period belonged to the visitors that increased to 41:28. Simona Ballardini made it plus 15 with 2 minutes in the quarter. A 6-0 run from the hosts kept them alive before the final period at 42:51. Italy however enjoyed the small break and produced another massive period. They created 17-10 in the final stanza and sealed 68:52 victory that tied them at 3-3 record. Finland meanwhile fell at 1-5 and covers the bottom of the group.

Finland: Tiina Sten 16+4 rebs, Niina Laaksonen 11+10 rebs
Italy: Simona Ballardini 14+5 rebs, Kathrin Ress 13, Francesca Modica 8

Poland-Turkey 76:64

Poland and Turkey prove the battle of the titans in Group B of EuroBasket Women qualifying. The teams struggled for the top position and Polish side benefit from the home game. They upset Turkey for their first time and sent them to 4-1 record with 76:64 win. Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, college: Abil.Christian) paced all the winners with 19 points and 8 rebounds to 5-1 record. Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) collected 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Anna Wielebnowska (188-C-78) posted 8. Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) finished the night with 17 points in the losing effort and Saziye Karsli (185-F-82) added 14.

2000 spectators came to see their local team climbing the top ladder. Poland started offensively and Skobel brought 9:2 on the board. Anna Wielebnowska scored for 18:7 but only at that time Turkey came to the game. Saziye Karsli tied the battle at 18:18 and it was Polish side to answer for 24:18 at the end of the first. Ewelina Kobryn gave Poland 33:22 in the center of the second stanza. Nevlin could reduce for the guests for 39:34 as the teams went to the lockers.
Poland won the third period 21:17 and had 9 points deficit after three quarters played. Behind 60:51 at the beginning of the final frame, Turkey got a three from Saziye Karsli, a free throw by Yasemin Horasan and a jump shot from Nevin to close the gap to 60:57. Poland however scored another seven points in a row and clinched a 76:64 victory.

Poland: Agnieszka Bibrzycka 19+8 rebs, Ewelina Kobryn 15+10 rebs, Anna Wielebnowska 8
Turkey: Esmeral Tuncluer 17, Saziye Karsli 14

GROUP C
Slovak Republic-France 63:55
Slovak Republic creates an upset for the favorite of Group C beating France at home. Kosice saw 63:55 win of the local team with a massive opening quarter. Gabriela Kubatova (172-G-84) paced all the winners with 14 points. Bronislava Borovickova (170-G-80) netted 12, while Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80) added 11. Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) top-scored for the guests with 18 points and 8 rebounds, while Emmeline Ndongue (192-F-83) added 10.

Kupcikova received a noisy standing ovation by the fans before taking their seats. Slovak Republic took control of the game from the very beginning creating 15-0 run in the opening quarter. Emmeline Ndongue ended the guests scoring silence for 19:7. Dijon closed the first period and reduced for 26:14. France struggled to create opportunities to close the score and could cut a bit in the second. With a carousel in the court Kupcikova was the last to score at the first half for 47:37.
France turned up the heat, scoring the first eight points of the second half to close within two when Celine Dumerc sank a three-pointer. With 43:40 on the board Slovakia produced 10-2 run for 53:42 at the end of three quarters. The visitors kept finding points from their pick-and-roll and increased their pressure on the perimeter. The last period was the most defensive and France could take 13:10 win in it. Slovakia meanwhile was satisfied with a great 63:55 victory and 3-3 record in the group.

Slovak Republic: Gabriela Kubatova 14, Bronislava Borovickova 12, Zuzana Zirkova 11
France: Celine Dumerc 18+8 rebs, Emmeline Ndongue 10
Croatia-Romania 66:64 The game between Croatia and Romania was for the second win in Group C of EuroBasket Women qualifying clash. The win in the first and last quarters brought Croatia 66:64 victory over the opponent. Marta Cakic (175-G-82) led the winners with 13 points. Anda Jelavic (173-G-80) netted 11, while Petra Stampalija (190-C-80) collected 10 points and 9 boards. Maria Pascalau (194-C-82) top-scored for the Romanian side with 22 points and 9 rebounds, while Simina Mandache (184-F-81) added 12.

Croatia scored first 4 points in the game and won the opening tip of the first period. Anda Jelavic was the last to post points in the opening period for 23:11 lead. It was her again to score for 34:24 home advantage. With a 14-0 run however the visitors took 38:34 lead after the second quarter as the teams went to the lockers.

Bura tied the game at 38:38 and then Lokas saw another even margin 44:44. Trailing 51:52 early in the fourth quarter, Croatia soon took the lead but could not shake off Romania. Sliskovic's jump-shot gave the hosts 59:54 with 4.28 to play. Anda Jelavic made a pair of free-throws for Croatia but Parau immediately hit back with a jump-shot that left the score at 65:62 with 20 seconds to go. Ilijanic missed the first free throw but then made the second for 66:62. Maria Pascalau reduced to 66:64 with 3 seconds in the game and went to the free throw line. She missed on purpose as there was almost no time left but Croatia held the score for good. The winners improve to 2-4 record leaving Romania at 1-4.

Croatia: Marta Cakic 13, Anda Jelavic 11, Petra Stampalija 10+9 rebs
Romania: Maria Pascalau 22+9 rebs, Simina Mandache 12

GROUP D
Serbia-Bulgaria 73:67

Serbia beat Bulgaria and tied them in Group D of EuroBasket Women qualifier. Trailing in the end of the opening quarter the home side pushed the tempo and never looked behind after. Serbia won the initial game 73:67 and upset Bulgaria for their second time. Adrijana Knezevic (184-F-87) and Ana Perovic (197-C-78) led the winners with 14 points apiece. Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) supported them with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Evelina Guneva (183-F-80, agency: Interperformances) ended up with 21 points, while Albena Branzova (192-F/C-71) collected 11 points and 10 boards in defeat.

Even though Serbia had no wins before the game they started offensively and hoped to be the favorites of the game. Evelina Guneva made a three for Bulgaria as her team led 17:15 in the opening tip. Serbia answered with nine consecutive points for 24:17 lead after the first period. The Serbs poured in the first eight of the second as well for a 32:17 stranglehold on the game. Slavova scored for the visitors as they trailed 45:36 at the halftime.
In the third period the teams paid more attention to defense and as a result the score was 10:10 in it. Evelina Gunevas two brought 55:46 hosts advantage after thirty minutes of the game. The most interesting part started in the end of the game when Albena Branzova tied the score at 59:59. Serbia scored again more but Vrantcheva kept Bulgaria alive with 69:66. Adrijana Knezevics 4 points in the end of the game brought the Serbs the first win in Group D.

Serbia: Adrijana Knezevic 14, Ana Perovic 14, Jelena Milovanovic 13+10 rebs
Bulgaria: Evelina Guneva 21, Albena Branzova 11+10 rebs
Belgium-Greece 66:77
Greek National team remains undefeated in Group D of EuroBasket Women qualifier. Liege could not help Belgium team to hand the first loss to the favorites on Wednesday night. Greece used a productive third quarter to seal the third win. Nicole Soulis (188-F-85, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) led the winners with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) and Stella Kaltsidou (187-C/F-83) followed her with 16 points apiece for 3-0 record. Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) ended up with 16 points in defeat, while Sara Leemans (178-G/F-88) and Van Malderen added 14 each.
Even though Stella Kaltsidou opened the game for the guests Belgium won the opening tip 13:4. Greece replied immediately with 10-0 run and had 14:13 advantage when Evanthia Maltsi made a jump-shot. The game stayed close throughout the second period and Greece led by one, 39:38, at the break.
Greece was in front of the whole third period. Papamichail opened it for 41:38 and then after 24:12 in the quarter Nicole Soulis closed it at 63:50. When Nicole Soulis again made it 72:52 in the last period it became clear that Belgium would not catch up the guests. Sara Leemans reduced to minus 15 and then Kathy Wambe set up the final 77:66 score. Belgium fell at 1-2 record in the group and tied with Bulgaria and Serbia.

Belgium: Kathy Wambe 16, Sara Leemans 14, Van Malderen 14
Greece: Nicole Soulis 18+7 rebs, Evanthia Maltsi 16, Stella Kaltsidou 16

  European Championship Division B. Day 2 results - Aug. 31, 2008
Group AIreland - Slovenia 67:59
Irish National Team celebrated the first win in the EuroBasket Division B action yesterday. They defeated visiting Slovenia in Limerick to improve to 1-1 record in Group A of the tournament. Slovenia in the meantime suffered the second loss in a row and slipped to the bottom of the ladder. Ireland shocked the visitors early in the encounter going on a 7:0 rally to claim the lead. Slovenia however quickly found the right rhythm and tied the scoreline. Irish team still managed to surge ahead and posted a 16:13 advantage at the first intermission. Daliborka Jokic (185-F-81) and Domenika Gacner (174-G-85) lifted Slovenia in front at the start of the second period and they maintained the gap throughout the rest of the stanza. Domenika Gacner capped the first half with a layup to give the visitors a 32:26 lead. Nika Baric (168-G-92) knocked down a three-pointer to enlarge the lead for Slovenia at the beginning of the third frame. However Ireland answered with a 21:4 run to close the third quarter leading by 8 points. Moran and Clancy scored the first 6 points of the fourth frame to establish a 14-point for the hosts and they never allowed Slovenia to threaten it at the late stages. Moran led all scorers with 22 points. Michelle Aspell (168-G) contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Nika Baric replied with 17 points, 6 boards and 4 assists for Slovenia. Daliborka Jokic had 11 points and 11 boards in the loss.

Ireland: Sarah Moran 22, Michelle Aspell 20+10 boards, Mary Fox (180-G-83) 7
Slovenia: Nika Baric 17, Daliborka Jokic 11+11 boards<>

  European Championship Division Division B. Day 1 results - Aug. 28, 2008
Group A
Slovenia - Netherlands 81:83 (28-16, 23-21, 20-19, 10-27)
Slovenia and Netherlands opened Eurobasket Qualifications in Division B. Group A saw the battle where only to the last period the guests grabbed the victory. Netherlands overcame Slovenia in Kranjska Gora 81:83. Leonie Kooij (187-F-86, agency: LBM Management) led the winners with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Naomi Halman (193-F/C-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Cal-Irvine) collected 21 points and 9 rebounds, while Tanya Broring (177-G-84, agency: LBM Management) posted 18. Maja Erkic (182-G/F-85) top-scored for the hosts with 31 points. Mojca Markovic (177-G-79) nailed 18 and Jokic had 12.
Maja Erkic opened the game for the hosts as Slovenia won the opening tip. After 16:14 they produced a 8-0 run and finished the first period at 28:16. Mojca Markovic from the arc made it 40:21 and it seemed that the hosts would celebrate the win in the opener. Naomi Halman however brought Slovenia back to 51:37 at the halftime. Slovenia climbed to minus 10 throughout the period but another three from Mojca Markovic saw 71:56 after three quarters. The most interesting part for the guests started in the last period. They tied the game at 77:77 and Beld and Maessen pulled Netherlands to 77:80. Naomi Halman brought the victory for the guests from the free throw line. Ilijev could tie the score but missed two from the same spot.

Slovenia: Maja Erkic 31, Mojca Markovic 18, Jokic 12
Netherlands: Leonie Kooij 23+6 rebs, Naomi Halman 21+9 rebs, Tanya Broring 18Rima Valentiene (170-G-78) led the winners with 15 points and 4 rebounds. Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) netted 11, while Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89), Agne Ciudariene (188-F-79) and Daina Staugaitiene (182-G-80, college: Liberty) scored 9 each. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) top-scored for the guests with 17 points and Lisa Koop (198-C-85, college: Winthrop) added 6. Germany remains winless and dropped to 0-4 record.

Valuzyte pulled her team in the start for 2:0 in the first minute and after 7:4 the hosts created 7:0 to win the opening tip of the game. Gintare Petronyte closed the first period at 23:10 for Lithuania. With 27:13 the hosts went on another tremendous lead creating 10-0 run. Razmaite's three saw the hosts taking 37:13 advantage with 5 minutes in the half. Again Gintare Petronyte was the last to score in the period as the teams went to the lockers for 43:17.
Lithuania did not stop and produced 24:10 in the third period. They were too good for the opponent as the score was 67:27 after 30 minutes of the game. Germany won however the last period 17:13 to somehow reduce the gap.

Lithuania: Rima Valentiene 15+4 rebs, Aurime Rinkeviciute 11, Gintare Petronyte 9, Agne Ciudariene 9, Daina Staugaitiene 9
Germany: Anne Breitreiner 17, Lisa Koop 6    
Great Britain - Israel 80:100 (30-27, 12-23, 18-31, 20-19)
Israel joined another two teams on top of Group A after a road win in Cardiff. The team poured in 100 points against 80 from Great Britain. Mirav Dori (178-F-86) led the winners with 20 points and 4 rebounds. Suez Karni netted 16, while

GROUP A
Israel - Ukraine 63:66

Ukrainian National Team ensured their third win at the 2009 EuroBasket Qualifying campaign yesterday. They defeated one of their main rivals in Group A Israel away from home to remain at helm of the pool. Israel meanwhile suffered their initial loss at the qualification and slipped to 1-2 record. Ukraine entered the game aggressively and built an 18:9 lead midway through the first period. But Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) and Suez-Karni cut the deficit to 5 points after ten minutes of action. Yegorova and Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) opened a double digit lead for the visitors early in the second frame. Soon the margin grew to massive 18 points as Ukraine looked too good for the hosts at the moment. However triples from Shay Doron and Cohen trimmed the deficit to 11 points at halftime. Shay Doron and Cohen continued their bombardment from downtown early in the third frame as the distance grew thinner. Ukraine stayed in front though and secured an 11-point buffer before the fourth term. Shay Doron, Fleischer and Cohen cut the gap to 5 points with under 2 minutes remaining. Olexandra Gorbunova nailed a free throw however Dori replied with a three-pointer to make it 61:64 with just over a minute remaining. Shay Doron than added two freebies as Israel came as close as one point with 41 seconds left. Later Shay Doron had two chances to save the game for the home team but missed layup and then was blocked by Alyoshkina. Biryuk followed it with two free throws to seal the victory for Ukraine.
Olexandra Gorbunova and Ogorodnikova had 18 points apiece for Ukraine. Yegorova secured 8 points for the winners. Shay Doron tallied game-high 22 points and 10 boards for Israel. Cohen added 18 points in defeat. Israel will now take on Great Britain away from home on Wednesday. Ukraine play their next game against Great Britain on Saturday.

Israel: Shay Doron 22+10 boards, Cohen 18
Ukraine: Olexandra Gorbunova 18, Ogorodnikova 18, Yegorova 8
Germany -Great Britain 59:61
Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87) drained the jumper in the final seconds of the game to propel Great Britain past Germany yesterday. Great Britain thus secured th

  European Championship Division Division A. Qualifying Round. August 20 - Aug. 20, 2008
GROUP AUkraine -Germany 93:39

The National team of Ukraine destroyed Germany at the EuroBasket Women qualifying in Kiev. The host team did not have any difficulties smashing the opponent 93:39. Inna Yegorova (173-G-82) led the winners with 20 points. Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) and Iryna Biryuk (178-G-78) posted 16 each, while Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81) collected 15 points and 11 rebounds. Richter top-scored for the guests with 11 points, Katja Bavendam (203-C-85, college: New York U.) and Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) scored 6 apiece.
The start of the game was a bit emotional for the Ukrainian side that even trailed 2:4 in the opening tip. In the center of the period the hosts had 14:10 and created an 11-0 run to close the period at 25:10. Ukraine kept the guests scoreless also in the first minutes of the second period and had 29:10 at that time. Germany scored some points and even reached 20 at the end of the half. Iryna Biryuk however brought the hosts 45:20 advantage and the confidence entering the second half. Nothing specific had changed in the third period as Ukraine dominated the court. They produced 20:12 in the period to have 65:32 after 30 minutes of the game. A 28-7 in the last quarter was too much for Germany that could not struggle with the hosts.

Ukraine: Inna Yegorova 20, Olexandra Gorbunova 16, Iryna Biryuk 16, Olena Ogorodnikova 15+11 rebs
Germany: Richter 11, Katja Bavendam 6, Anne Breitreiner 6
Great Britain-Lithuania 63:82
Lithuania won the second game in Group A at the EuroBasket Women qualifying last night. Cardiff could not help Great Britain in a 63:82 loss. The third quarter was too much for the hosts in the game. Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) led the winners with 20 points, 6 assists and 5 boards. Daina Staugaitiene (182-G-80, college: Liberty) na

  European Championship Division Division A. Qualifying Round - Aug. 13, 2008
GROUP A
Ukraine-Great Britain 59:54

Ukraine won the opener of the EuroBasket Women Division A campaign tonight beating Great Britain 59:54 in their Group A campaign. The first half was enough to say in front of the game until the last seconds. Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) led the winners with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Olena Zherzherunova (191-F-78, agency: LBM Management) and Iryna Biryuk (178-G-78) supported her with 13 points apiece as the spectators were glad for the win in the opener. Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87) top-scored for the guests with 14 points. Butler collected 12 points and 8 rebounds, whilst Megan Moody (188-G/F-83, college: Tulsa) added 10.
Ukrainian side took the control from the center of the opening quarter. Trailing 2:6 the hosts created a 15-0 surge at the end of the first half and led to 33:18 lead. Olexandra Gorbunova continued to ruin the opponent in the third quarter but Johannah Leedham cut to 52:39 after 30 minutes of the game. Megan Moody made it 55:48 and Johannah Leedham had the next four points to make it 57:52. Yegorova nailed a free throw for 6 points advantage with 17 seconds remaining. Mason replied with two the same from the line for 58:54. It was again Yegorova after the foul to seal the initial victory for the Ukrainian side. In another game of the group Israel beat Lithuania 63:47. Germany will start their campaign in the next game.

Ukraine:Olexandra Gorbunova 18+6 rebs, Olena Zherzherunova 13, Iryna Biryuk 13
Great Britain: Johannah Leedham 14, Butler 12+8 rebs, Megan Moody 10

Israel-Lithuania 63:47

Israel won the opener of the their EuroBasket Women qualifying round as the team was too strong for the Baltic representative. Israel overcame Lithuania 63:47 with 11-3 in the second period. Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) paced the winners with 16 points and 3 assists. Katia Abramzon (186-F/C-87) collected 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Suez Karni netted 10. Rebecca Thoresen (179-F-78) was unstoppable with 33 points and 14 rebounds. Josephine Grima (190-C-84) followed her with 18 points and 8 rebounds, while Ellul netted 13. Enkela Deneko (-76) ended up with 15 points and Ina Permeti (-80) had 14.

Ellul scored three three-pointers in the first quarter as Malta scored almost everything the team shot. It was a great beginning for the winners of European Championship Division C. With 18:13 on the board Malta used a 12-0 run to take massive lead after the first ten minutes of the game. Albania woke up in the second quarter but could hardly reduce the gap. What they could do was 15:11 win in the period. Rebecca Thoresen sent the teams to the lockers for 44:30. Hasanaj's three in the end of the third period also left 14 points deficit for Malta. Albania played well and tied the period at 18:18. That was however all the could do. A 6-0 run in the last stanza gave the game early winner. Rebecca Thoresen remained in the court scoring basket after a basket. Sciberras set up the final 81:61 score as Malta triumphed in European Championship Division C.

Albania:Enkela Deneko 15, Ina Permeti 14
Malta: Rebecca Thoresen 33+14 rebs, Josephine Grima 18+8 rebs, Ellul 13

Game for the 3rd placeLuxembourg - Andorra 55:45

Luxembourgish National Team earned the Bronze medals at the home European championship in Division C. Today Luxembourg handled Andorra in the consolation final. The teams traded baskets early in the encounter with neither side jumping to a solid lead. Hetting and Mossong gave a 6-point advantage for Luxembourg late in the first frame but Meira and Mun cut the gap to 2 points at the end of the first quarter. Margue ignited the hosts with two trebles early in the second frame. Stoll and Hetting added pain to Andorra as they spurred Luxembourg to a 32:24 advantage at halftime. Meira and Gomez teamed up for Andorras rally in the third quarter and they narrowed the margin to 2 points. Schreiner opened the final stanza with 5 consecutive points to give some breathing space for Luxembourg. Later Schr

  European Championship Division European Championship Division C. Semifinals - Jul. 11, 2008
Semifinals
Luxembourg -Albania 61:73
Albania wins the second semifinal game over the hosts, Luxembourg to seal the Finals of European Championship, Division C. A 27:16 in the last period was fatal for the hosts that will play for the third spot. Ina Permeti (-80) led the winners with 20 points to their impressive victory. Hasanaj netted 15 and Valbona Sako (-72) posted 14. Tessy Hetting (188-F-86) top-scored for Luxembourg with 21 points. Nadia Mossong (183-F-86) collected 15 ponts and 9 rebounds, whilst Stoll had 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Tessy Hetting opened the scoring list for the hosts that fell confident in the early beginning. Albania replied with some baskets and had 13:7 after Deneko's shot. Cakici closed the opening quarter at 20:16 for Albania. Tessy Hetting tied the game at 24, and it was her again to give her team 25:24 lead. Albania did not give up and went with 30:33 to the lockers.
Luxembourg produced 15:13 in the third period to close the gap to 45:46 before the final period. Tessy Hetting gave her team 50:48, but unfortunately for the hosts it was their last lead. Albania mounted in 12-0 run to seal a place in the final. Valbona Sako made the final 73:61 score from the free throw line.

Luxembourg: Tessy Hetting 21, Nadia Mossong 15+9 rebs, Stoll 10+11 rebs
Albania: Ina Permeti 20, Hasanaj 15, Valbona Sako 14

Malta - Andorra 58:37
Maltese National Team became the first finalist of the European championship in Division C held in Luxemburg. Today they held off Andorra to make it to the title decider. A low-scoring tight fixture saw the both sides strain every nerve to get past semifinal stage. R. Brincat scored back-to-back jumpers for Malta as they jumped in front 7:4 midway through the starting frame. Gomez scored three straight points for Andorra to keep them within striking distance. However Grima capped the first frame with two freebies to give Malta a 16:10 cushion into the second stanza. Parnis came up with 4 points early in the second stanza to spark a run from Maltese team. They posted an 11:2 rally to maintain a 27:14 advantage late in the half. Ellul and Meira traded three-pointers at the end of the frame and Malta led by 11 at the sides change. Sciberras and Grima kept it cool for Malta throughout the third stanza and Andorra

  European Championship Division European championship Division C. Day 3 - Jul. 9, 2008
Luxembourg - Azerbaijan 101:24 (27-3, 21-8, 28-9, 25-4)

Luxembourg smashed Azerbaijan 101:24 in Day 3 of European championship in Division C. The hosts of the tournament won the group with 3-0 record and advanced to the semifinal. Lynn Schreiner (158-G-91) led the winners with 20 points. Lisy Hetting (169-G-90) netted 16, while Jil Haentges (182-C-90) posted 14. Zycova ended up with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Biryuchkova produced 6.
Haris opened the scoring list for the hosts from the arc. Zycova scored quickly for Azerbaijan for 3-2. After that Luxembourg produced 20-0 run to answer for all the questions about the winner. Ludivig with a jump shot closed the opening quarter at 27:3. Azerbaijan remained scoreless for another four minutes an scored only in the center of the second for 38:4. Musayeva made one free throw for her team in the game. Biryuchkova's free throw was the last in the half, 48:11.
In the third quarter Luxembourg remained on top of the game and had 28:9 in it. Weynandt's three opened the last period with 79:20 and the task for the hosts was to reach three digits. With 36 seconds in the game Jil Haentges made a lay-up for 101:24 as Luxembourg triumphed in the game.

Luxembourg:Lynn Schreiner 20, Lisy Hetting 16, Jil Haentges 14
Azerbaijan: Zycova 12+10 rebs, Biryuchkova 6  

Andorra - Gibraltar 53:45
Andorra National team secured their semifinal birth at the European championship in Division C. They overcame Gibraltar today to improve to 2-1 record in the preliminary Group A. The game was not an easy jog for Andorra though. Sene and Parody put Gibraltar in front early in the game. Sene capped the first frame with a three-pointer to give winless Gibraltar a surprising 17:7 advantage at the first intermission. Vicente and Meira nailed 5 points in a row midway through the second period to clip the distance to 6 points. However Sene immediately answered with 4 straight points to restore a 10-point buffer at halftime. Sene added another jumper to open the second half and Andorra trailed by 12 points. Then it was time for Meira to take the floor. She nailed 7 consecutive points for Andorra as they came as close as 3 points from Gibraltar. Later Vicente and Gomez accounted for five more points and the teams finished the third stanza all tied at 34. The lead changed hands for several times before Vicente dropped back-to-back treys to carry Andorra up by 5 with just over a minute remaining. Hernandez followed the bombardment with a three-pointer and Andorra never looked back in the dying seconds. Vicente finished with 18 points and 7 boards to pace Andorra. Gomez contributed 14 points and 8 boards in a win. Sene answered with 16 points and 7 boards for Gibraltar. Gomez had 11 points and 11 rebounds in a losing effort.

Andorra: Patricia Vicente

  European Championship Division European championship Division C. Day 2 - Jul. 8, 2008
Andorra-Luxembourg 28:58 (13-10, 4-20, 8-11, 3-17)

Luxembourg jumped to the first place in Group A and remains there alone so far. In the last game of Day 2 the hosts of European championship, Division C smashed Andorra 58:28. Trailing 3 points after the first quarter Luxembourg bounced back and won the encounter. Tessy Hetting (188-F-86) led the winners with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 9 steals. Lisy Hetting and Evelyne Stoll (187-C-86) supported her with 8 points apiece. Vidal Gomez top-scored for the losing side with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Andorra probably forgot the level of two teams and the home side of Luxembourg taking the control of the opening tip of the game. Vicente opened the scoring list for her team as Andorra had 2-0. Vidal Gomez led Andorra to 10:2 with 4 minutes to go, but Andorra could enjoy only 13:10 after the first period.
Luxembourg woke up in the second period and held the opponents scoreless for the first 7 minutes of the quarter. The hosts created 12-0 run and sealed 30:17 advantage at the half. The third period was more defensive for both squads and Luxembourg had 11:8 in it to go on 41:25. Tessy Hetting opened the last period from the free throw line and Luxembourg remained on top. The team allowed Andorra to score 3 points in 10 minutes and celebrated 58:28 victory.

Andorra: Vidal Gomez 10+12 rebs, Pla 6, Mun Mas 6
Luxembourg:Tessy Hetting 12+13 rebs+9 steals, Lisy Hetting 8, Evelyne Stoll 8

Gibraltar - Azerbaijan 42:71
Azerbaijan reached the first win in European championship in Division C. Today the team overcame Gibraltar 71:42 and improved to 1-1 record, while the latter fell at 0-2. Shimichenko was unstoppable with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Musayeva collected 12 points and 8 rebounds, whilst Biryuchkova added 10. Sene top-scored for Gibraltar with 9 points and 6 rebounds and Cassaglia posted 8. Tomorrow Gibraltar will take on Andorra. Azerbaijan will meet hosts Luxembourg in the last game of the day.

Gibraltar: Sene 9+6 rebs, Cassaglia 8
Azerbaijan: Shimichenko 25+8 rebs+5 ast, Musayeva 12+8 rebs, Biryuchkova 10