Russia were crowned the OSTCHEM U20 European champions on Sunday after emerging victorious in a close-fought final against hosts Hungary.

Forward Tatiana Bokareva led four players in double figures as a strong  second-half performance proved decisive for the Russians in their 77-68 success.

There was little to choose between the two sides in the first period with the scores locked at 13-13, before Hungary clawed back a mini-break from the visitors in the second to allow Russia only a slender 32-31 advantage at half-time. 

However, an 8-0 run at the start of the third proved decisive for Bokareva and her team-mates as the Russians stretched their lead to 14 points, 55-41, at the end of the third.

And although Hungary fought hard to get back into the contest, the visitors held their nerve to take the plaudits.

Bokareva top-scored for Russia with 14 points and 18 rebounds while Elizaveta Rusakova poured in 11 points.

Elena Danilochkina and Elena Gogiya both contributed 10 points for the victors.

Andrea Somogyi led Hungary with a game-high 19 points but to little effect for the hosts, who had reached the finals against the odds following their unexpected win over defending champions France in the last four.