20.07.2008

Russia Champions!

Olga Petrova scored 21 points to lead Russia to their fourth title at the U20 European Championship for Women, holding off France 67-58 in Pescara.

Russia used an 8-0 surge in the fourth quarter to put the game away by opening a 14-point advantage. Olga Zhuzgova added 10 points off the bench as tournament MVP Natalia Vieru struggled with foul trouble.

20.07.2008

May The Best Defense Win

The old adage goes "defense wins championsihips" and that should hold true in the final of the U20 European Championship for Women with undefeated Russia facing off with France - winners of six straight games.

Both teams reached Sunday's final in Pescara by playing tough-as-nails defense in their semi-final victories over Serbia and Spain, respectively.

19.07.2008

France Shut Down Spanish Attack, Get To Final

A tough France defense shut down Spain 61-56 to dethrone the defending champions and advance to the final of the U20 European Championship for Women.

Lucie Bouthers came off the bench to score a team-high 15 points and Carine Paul added 12 points, while the French defence held the Spanish to just 32 percent shooting for the semi-final.

19.07.2008

Surprise Comeback Sparks France

France had already lost to Italy in their group and were staring in the face a 24-point deficit against the mighty Serbia. But Abdou Ndiaye's team did not roll over.

Instead, the French shut down the Serb offence and one point after another came back to upset Serbia by seven points.