Chatzinikolaou Dishes Up Greek Win

Greece's Olga Chatzinikolaou registered a big double-double of 10 points and 11 assists.

The plot thickens in an intriguing and exciting Group D after a master-class from Olga Chatzinikolaou helped Greece to an essential 63-49 home floor win against Latvia.

The experienced campaigner dished up an inspired eleven assists to go with her ten points for a stunning double-double and it could barely have been better timed for the Greek side who are still very much in the running for a place in France next summer.

With Latvia being one of their main rivals, few had predicted anything other than a very tight game but the hosts blew that theory away with a scorching 21-9 second quarter.

This handed them an insurmountable 14 point lead heading to the locker rooms and it would be one that Greece would refuse to relinquish.

Latvia certainly tried to rally when they returned to the floor but particularly impressive was the work of Greece in the paint. They coped in superb fashion against a team possessing a dangerous frontcourt boasting the likes of Zane Tamane.

As the second half unfolded, both nations also had one eye on the winning margin for the purposes of any pending tie-breaker and it appears Greece will have to win against Italy to confirm their place in the Final Round.

Aikaterina Soitrou also impressed with 13 points and eight rebounds while Tamane led the way for the visitors with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Quotes Greece vs. Latvia

Greece coach Alekos Daglas:
"We played our best game so far, continuing the very good performance we had versus Finland. The team is in good condition and played smart and with lots of passion. We beat a very good team and now we play at Italy where we need to win if we want to qualify."

Greece Player Olga Chatzinikolaou:
"It is a very important win for us, we played well and I am very proud of my teammates. We played with passion but we are also a bit bitter about not managing to overlap the score advantage that Latvia has in our between games. Next game against Italy is a final for us."

Latvia coach Aigars Nerips:
"Greece played a very good defense, they played aggressively especially in the first half when they managed to score many 3-point shots. This is their type of game, mainly offensive. I am very satisfied with my team's performance in the last quarter. It will be to our benefit if Greece loses to Italy."

Latvia player Zane Tamane:
"I am very disappointed. Greece played well and they were very aware of our game and that was the key for the game. We tried very hard in the last quarter, and managing to close the scoring gap was very important. In my opinion there can be no safe prediction for the outcome of Greece's upcoming game in Italy."