EUROBASKET WOMEN QUALIFIERS

Romana Vynuchalova led the Slovak comeback in Belgium with a game-high 14 points

The Slovak Republic gave their chances of punching a ticket to EuroBasket Women next summer a huge boost with an essential 63-54 win in Belgium, as their second-half defence reigned supreme.

In a tight three-way fight for the two precious top positions in Qualification Round Group C, Slovakia coach Ivan Vojtko and his players capitalized on Slovenia losing in Lithuania, although it was far from a straight forward affair for them in Brussels.

The visitors had to dig themselves out of a hole, having trailed 40-32, but once they turned the defensive screw they managed to blunt the Belgian offence in a spectacular way.

The hosts managed just nine points during the third quarter and the same total in the final period as they imploded after looking well-placed to record a first win of a quite disastrous campaign.

The additional experience of Slovakia was also key, with their superior composure on offence helping them ease away in the final stages.

Romana Vynuchalova claimed a game-high 14 points for the winning team while only Noemie Mayombo could scrape into double digits for Belgium.