Slovaks Down Belgium

The Slovak Republic enjoyed a winning start to the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round with a 64-49 triumph over Belgium.

Saturday's Group C game was knotted at 23-23 early in the second quarter when the hosts went in front to stay.

Romana Vynuchalova scored all six points in a 6-2 run for the Slovakians as they went into a 29-25 lead.

A basket by Erin Lawless and a one-of-two effort at the line by Katarina Tetemondová stretched the advantage to 38-30 at half-time.

Slovakia then lowered the boom after the restart with six unanswered points.

Timea Sujova hit a jumper and Klaudia Lukacovicová followed with two straight baskets as the hosts went in front by 13. Emma Meesseman's basket in the last minute of the third quarter gave Belgium hope at 50-39.

Jana Raman followed with a three-ball to cut the gap to 50-42, only for Lucia Kupcikova to answer with a basket.

Lawless then added a jumper and a lay-up to push the advantage to 56-42.

Slovakia ended up winning by 15.

Ivana Jalcova scored 14 points and Lawless 13 for Slovakia.

Anne-Sophie Strubbe led the Belgians with 10 points.

Quotes Slovak Republic vs. Belgium

Benny Mertens, coach of Belgium:
"I think in general we did a very good job, but if you have so many offensive rebounds against and you lose so many balls it is very difficult to win a game."

Ivan Vojtko, coach of Slovakia:
"Before the game I would have been satisfied with a win by one point, but in this game we could win by 20 - 25 points. We need to improve our shooting. I am pleased with our play in defense, therefore we get less than 50 points."

Anne-Sophie Strubbe, player of Belgium:
"We didn´t play good game in defense. The offensive rebounds of the Slovakian team hurt us, we didn´t get those loose balls and everytime when they got a second chance, they scored. That was our problem."

Ivana Jalčová, Slovakia:
"The first match was very important and we are very pleased to have won it. At home, we must not lose a duel, if we think of the process. We took the first victory and we are moving on."