Gold medal favourites Serbia & Montenegro stormed into the final of the Umcor U18 European Championship Women on Saturday.

The 2005 champions were in dominant mood against the Czechs and romped to a 81-48 victory.

		Sonja Petrovic

Serbia & Montenegro's starting five have blown most of their opponents off the court in the tournament and it was no different against Czech Republic. They scored 68 of the team's 81 points and grabbed a combined 43 rebounds.

Sonja Petrovic overcame a tough start (0/4 shooting in the opening minutes) to tally 19 points and 10 rebounds, while center Jelena Milovanovic provided an intimidating inside presence with 14 points, 16 rebounds and 3 blocks. 

Despite the final scoreline, Serbia & Montenegro did not have everything their own way.

Czech Republic have been nothing if not tenacious throughout this tournament, as witnessed by their come-from-behind victory against France to qualify for the semi-finals.

The Czechs found themselves down 9-2 after just 3 minutes, but fought back to 17-11 by the end of the quarter.

A 12-4 run at the start of the second gave Serbia & Montengro a 16-point lead, 31-15 and the game looked to be already out of reach. However, the Czechs fought back once again to 34-29 at the end of the half.

Czech Republic needed a strong third quarter to have any hopes of winning the game, but Serbia & Montenegro were in no mood to allow a comeback.

A 5-point lead quickly turned into double figures and at the 30-minute mark, Serbia & Montenegro led 57-42. 

Serbia & Montenegro will play the winner of Spain-Sweden in Sunday's final, while Czech Republic will play for the bronze medal.