Looking at Gaby Ocete compete at the U20 European Championship for Women, it's not hard to tell that the Spanish point guard plays a crucial role in her team's push to the semi-finals.

The 20-year-old guides the deadly Spanish fast break, directs her team-mates in the half-court offense while also setting the example defensively by not allowing opposing guards to break her down.

Diana Ozolina, Sabine Niedola and Baiba Eglite combined for 60 points as Latvia knocked off hosts Italy 77-68 at the U20 European Championship for Women.

Niedola led the way with 20 points and 17 rebounds for Latvia, who finished third in the Qualifying Round Group E with a 2-3 record. Ozolina had 22 points and Eglite tallied 18 for the Baltic nation.

Oleksandra Prystupa poured in 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in leading Ukraine to a 94-65 victory over Montenegro at the U20 European Championship for Women to secure them third place in the Qualifying Round Group F.

Oksana Kisilova added 17 points for the Ukrainians, who improved to 2-3 and will now play in the fifth-eighth group. Arina Lysyuk had 13 points and Olena Samburska added 12.

France extended their winning streak to five games in beating the Czech Republic 72-65 to advance to the semi-finals of the U20 European Championship for Women.

Carine Paul scored 22 points and Ingrid Tanqueray added 16 as France captured first place in the Qualifying Round Group E in Chieti with a 4-1 record and will face Spain in Saturday's semis in Pescara.

Russia remained perfect at the U20 European Championship for Women by surviving a real battle with Spain 68-64 to enter the semi-finals as Qualifying Round Group F winners.

The Russians won the showdown in Sulmona of undefeated teams and improved to 5-0 in the group - and 6-0 overall - thanks to 11 points from Yulia Lukina and 10 by Irina Romanova.

Serbia finally played like the favourites everyone expected in thrashing Turkey 87-58 to advance to the semi-finals of the U20 European Championship for Women.

The 2007 runners-up decided the game in the third quarter and forced 23 total Turkey turnovers. Four Serbian starters scored in double figures in improving to 4-1 in the Qualifying Round Group E in Chieti.

Gintare Petronyte scored 32 points as Lithuania notched their second consecutive blowout win at the U20 European Championship for Women - this time with an 81-46 victory over Belarus.

Joining Petronyte in double figures was Saule Kontauitaite with 14 points while Sarune Jasiunskaite added nine points and 10 rebounds for Lithuania, who improved to 2-3 in the Qualifying Round Group F in Sulmona.