Poles Win Against Swiss

Martyna Koc and Poland did their part to keep their chances alive with a win over Switzerland

Poland kept their faint hopes of reaching next year's EuroBasket Women alive with a 64-51 triumph over Switzerland.

Agnieszka Majewska and Martyna Koc each scored 11 points for the Poles, who won for the sixth time in eight Group B games.

If Serbia beat Estonia on Saturday, though, that will leave three teams with the same record: Serbia, Montenegro and Poland.

Montenegro have the best goal average among the sides and Serbia the second-best, giving them and not Poland to two spots for next year's Final Round from Group B.

Against Switzerland, Poland gave themselves a perfect launch pad for victory by scoring the game's first seven points.

The Swiss pulled to within 18-16 early in the second quarter and then 20-19, but a Magdalena Losi three-ball put Poland on their way.

She followed with a lay-up for a 25-19 advantage and Poland kept their noses in front the rest of the way.

Karen Twehues finished with 20 points for Switzerland.

Marielle Giroud, a 24-year-old forward, also had a strong outing for the Swiss with 16 points and 15 rebounds.

She ended the Qualification Round averaging 12.9 points and 8.9 boards.

Switzerland won two of their eight games.

Quotes Poland vs. Switzerland

Switzerland head coach Milenko Tomić
"Although we lost the match to Poland, we are satisfied with our attitude on the court. This was the first confrontation of our national team with the Polish one and at the same time a very precious experience for the future, the same with the matches with Serbia and Montenegro. The Poles were definitely physically better and were able to use their strength."

Switzerland player Alexia Rol
"We did a great job. We were close all the time, even in the third quarter. Unfortunately, we were unable to change the course of the match in the last five minutes. Such meetings like this match with Poland is a great experience for us."

Poland head coach Jacek Winnicki
"I would like to thank the girls for a wonderful and unforgettable time spent together and for the whole qualifying rounds. We are probably the only team in this tournament which didn't go through to the European Championship, having played in 8 matches with 6 successful ones. We lost with only a few points in fight with Serbia and Montenegro. Having lots of twists and turns, we managed to create a wonderful team. I'm glad that we fought till the end. I would like to thank all my co-workers. We tried to do our best. It's a pity we didn't go through."

Poland player Joanna Walich
"The coaches managed to create a great team in a short period of time. They understood each other even outside the court. It's such a pity that despite the victories in Poland we couldn't go through to the European Championship. Although we knew that there were little chances of going through, we fought till the end. I'm proud of being able to play in such a team."