Montenegro Clinch First With Big Win

Jelena Skerovic and Montenegro confirmed their status as front runners in Group B with a clear win over Estonia

Montenegro throttled Estonia 81-61 on Wednesday night to seal first place in Group B of the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round.

With Poland breathing down their necks, Miodrag Baletic's side needed a sixth victory in eight games to be assured of top spot.

After storming into a 23-12 lead late in the first quarter, Montenegro put the result beyond doubt in the second frame by outscoring Estonia 29-13 for a commanding 52-27 advantage.

Playing without star forward Jelena Dubljevic, who has a back injury, Montenegro got 23 points from Iva Perovanovic.

Jelena Skerovic had 19 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds.

Estonia suffered their seventh defeat in as many games.

Quotes Montenegro vs. Estonia

Montenegro head coach Miodrag Baletic
"In the first half, we were confident in the attack and it is expected that in some parts of the game when you have high difference, there is a decrease in concentration. For our basketball, Montenegrin sport and our country, this is a great success."

Montenegro player Snezana Aleksic
"I would like to thank all the players and we dedicate this victory to Jelena Dubljević, who could not help us in this game, but she knows that we have been with her since the beginning of the match."

Estonia head coach Jaanus Levkoi
"Montenegro is a strong, high quality and experienced team, our squad was playing at this level of competition for the first time. We were defeated by a better team, we have a young team and will continue to work hard."

Estonia player Valeria Kast
"There is a big difference in quality between the two teams, which could be seen in the match. Montenegro is a decent team, it has been shown many times in the previous years, and we need to make much progress to reach this level."