Romania Deny Bulgaria In OT

Gabriela Marginean was in top-form against Bulgaria, scoring 26 for the Romanians

Romania needed overtime but finally saw off the challenge of Bulgaria on Saturday.

In a EuroBasket Women Qualification Round Group D battle between two sides with no chance of advancing to next year's Final Round in France, Romania won 75-68.

Gabriela Marginean was the star of the show for Romania with 26 points.

She hit two free-throws with 36 seconds remaining in the game to knot matters at 62-62.

After a Bulgaria timeout, the visitors' Radoslava Bachvarova missed a jumper and then Romania's Ancuta Stoenescu was off target with an attempt from the arc.

Bulgaria scored the first three points of the extra period, and they had a 68-67 advantage with 1:39 to play following two free-throws by Dimana Georgieva.

Marginean answered with a lay-up and Romania ended up scoring the game's last eight points.

Romania finished with three wins in eight Qualification Round games.

Bulgaria, who lost their first game to Romania, 70-68, ended up with just one win.

Quotes Romania vs. Bulgaria

Romania head coach Dan Fleseriu
"It was very difficult and we succeeded to win in overtime. I want to congratulate my team for the attitude and for the effort. Against Bulgaria there were two tough games and I am happy that we won both of them. I hope in the  future we will establish a more promising team."

Romania forward Gabriela Marginean
"It is an important victory for us. It was the last game that we played in front of our fans. We wanted to win and we fought until the end. I think it was a beautiful game. The last seconds were very difficult, because we were exhausted. I am very happy that we finish this campaign with a victory!"

Bulgaria head coach Jose Maria Buceta
"It was a very interesting game. Both teams showed that they wanted to win the game. It was the last game of the competition and we were tired. Anyway, my team and Romania played with the heart. We were very close to winning, unfortunately we lost in overtime. In the end I am happy with my team and I am very proud to coach them. It was a big honor to me and I tried to do my best."

Bulgaria player Radoslava Bachvarova
"It was a very tough game. The Romanian team is very good and it was hard for us. Every game was difficult, we lost also in Bulgaria very close. In these preliminary games I think the Sweden was the most difficult opponent."