JERUSALEM, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Latvia booked a men's quarterfinal meeting with the Czech Republic at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup here on Tuesday while Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain made last eight in women's event.
The Czech Republic progressed to the quarterfinals after edging out Germany 20-18 after Germany's Philip Hecker narrowly missed a two-pointer just before the concluding buzzer. Michal Svojanovsky's performance, which included six points and five rebounds, was pivotal for the Czech victory.
Lithuania triumphed over the Czech Republic 21-13 and later defeated Germany with an identical score to also advance from the three-team Group B.
In Group D, Latvia bested Belgium 21-15, with Dennis Donkor netting eight points, and later overpowered Cyprus 22-10. Belgium also secured a spot in the quarterfinals following a dominant 22-3 win against Cyprus.
In the women's division, Italy led Group B into the quarterfinals. They clinched a 17-10 victory over Germany, with Sara Madera scoring nine points, and later triumphed 22-18 against Israel, thanks to Laura Spreafico's 10 points, which included the decisive two-pointer.
Germany also progressed to the quarterfinals after Theresa Simon's game-winning two-pointer secured a 15-13 win over Israel. Sonja Greinacher was the top scorer for Germany, contributing eight points.
From Group D, the Netherlands advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Spain 21-15, with Noortje Driessen and Janis Boonstra each scoring seven points, and later besting Luxembourg 21-10.
Spain also moved forward following a 21-10 victory over Luxembourg, largely due to Vega Gimeno's eight points.
The tournament resumes on Wednesday, featuring matches from Groups A and C for both men and women. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and final are slated for Thursday. ■
