France celebrate title in Lithuania

FINAL

Latvia - France 59-85
France conquered the title in Lithuania. They cruised past Latvia in the championship game tonight. France recorded a comfortable 29-11 lead after ten minutes. They extended the margin at 23-point mark heading into the second half. France kept Latvia at bay throughout the second half and eased to the title. Carla Leite (175-PG-2004) tallied 20 points, while Ines Debroise (175-G-2003) scored 18 points for les Bleues. Luize Sila (188-PF-2004) and Vanesa Jasa (180-SF-2003) replied with 17 points each for Latvia.

3-4 Place

Serbia - Spain 36-94
Spain breezed past Serbia to earn the third position at the tournament. Spain dominated from start to finish. They established a 49-20 halftime advantage. Spain held Serbia to just 16 points in the second half and raced to a comfortable win. Txell Alarcon (179-PG-2003) hauled in 21 points, while Claudia Soriano (170-PG-2003, college: Northeastern) added 13 points for Spain. Dunja Zecevic (186-C-2004) tossed in 9 points for Serbia.

5-6 Place

Portugal - Italy 64-75
Italy earned the fifth place at the championship. They prevailed against Portugal on Sunday. The Azzurri registered a 41-20 halftime advantage and never looked back en route to the victory. Sara Ronchi (183-F-2003) nailed 18 points, while Matilde Villa (172-SG-2004, agency: Players Group) and Eleonora Villa (172-G-2004, agency: Players Group) had 17 points apiece in the victory. Ana Barreto (175-SF-2003) answered with 13 points for Portugal.

7-8 Place

Turkey - Israel 57-81
Israel fired past Turkey to claim the 7th position. Israel recorded a 36-32 halftime lead. Israel dominated in the second half and cruised to the victory. Emma Rinat (180-G-2003) accounted for 18 points, while Hila Karsh (173-PG-2004) contributed 17 points for Israel. Ayse Yilmaz (171-PG-2003) and Zeyno Seren (178-G-2003) had 13 points each for Turkey.

9-10 Place

Hungary - Finland 68-71

11-12 Place

Poland - Montenegro 86-63
Poland clinched the 11th position in Lithuania. They cruised past Montenegro in the final game. Montenegro grabbed a 21-15 lead after ten minutes. But Poland used a 25-9 run in the second frame to secure a 40-30 halftime lead. Poland followed with a 27-10 run in the third term to clear off for good. Nicola Batura (183-PF-2004, agency: SPORTFORUM Agency) finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds, while Marta Maslowska (181-SF-2003) added 14 points in the victory. Nikolina Ilic answered with 25 points for Montenegro.

13-14 Place

Sweden - Czech Republic 83-71
Sweden clinched the decisive win in Division A. They overcame Czech Republic to secure their top division place for another season. Diana Collins (177-PG-2004) scored 27 points, while Saga Eklov (169-G-2004) added 18 points for the Scandinavian team. Valentyna Kadlecova (182-F-2004) answered with 15 points for Czech Republic.

15-16 Place

Lithuania - Belgium 59-67
Belgium finished the tournament on a winning note. They outgunned Lithuania for the 15th position. Lithuania posted a 37-31 halftime advantage. Belgium however responded in the second half. They ignited a 36-22 rally after the big break to snatch the win. Sanne Desplenter (170-G-2003) tossed in 22 points in the victory. Eva Pernavaite (171-G-2005) banked in 17 points for Lithuania.

Tags : CARLA LEITE, FRENCH BASKETBALL