EUROBASKET WOMEN QUALIFIERS

Belarus rolled to a second straight victory in the Qualification Round for the EuroBasket Women on Saturday at Portugal.

Tatyana Troina, one of the veterans still in the Belarus side who captured a bronze medal at EuroBasket Women 2007 in Chieti and played at the Beijing Olympics, had 17 points and eight rebounds as Belarus won the Group A game, 82-53.

Belarus, who are now coached by Rimantas Grigas, took a vice-like grip on the contest in the first quarter when they outscored the Portuguese, 28-16.

Natallia Anufryienka had seven points in that opening frame for the visitors.

The result was beyond doubt by half-time as Belarus had a 45-26 lead.

They pressed home the advantage in the second half and were decisive winners.

Belarus, who edged a closer encounter with Hungary in midweek, forced Portugal to commit 25 turnovers.

Next up for the winners is a game against Israel in Belarus.

Portugal crashed to a heavy defeat to Ukraine in their first game and are now 0-2.