U16 WOMEN

Russia booked a spot in the quarter-finals of the U16 European Championship for Women, surging from behind in the fourth quarter to defeat Slovakia 60-53 on Monday.

Their win also meant that Sweden are also guaranteed a place in the next round in Cagliari.

Ekaterina Ilinova scored a game-high 15 points as her side shook off a terrific third quarter burst from the Slovaks, who overturned a 30-26 half-time deficit.

Led by 14 points from Nikola Dudásová, they turned up the pressure their rivals 18-10 to threaten an upset as Kristina Matuskova's three-pointer put Slovakia 44-38 in front.

However a 9-0 Russian run reversed the momentum and although the teams were level at 51-51 with 4:23 left, a 9-2 closing run proved enough.