Belarus Win But Ukraine Still Alive

Aliaksandra Tarasava dropped 12 points on Ukraine as Belarus secured an appearance at the Final Round in 2013 in France

Belarus sealed a spot in next year's EuroBasket Women with a 68-60 victory over visiting Ukraine.

The triumph also sealed first place in Group A for Rimantas Grigas' team, which bounced back from a 60-58 setback to Israel.

Anastasiya Verameyenka, the dominant player in the Belarus side, had 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Playing at home, Belarus never trailed and led by as many as 18 points early in the second half.

Ukraine didn't cave in, though, but fought back and pulled to within 49-41 12 seconds into the fourth quarter after a lay-up by Oleksandra Kurasova.

The hosts put paid to the rally, though, with Aliaksandra Tarasava hitting two free-throws sparking a 7-0 run that left the home side on top, 56-41.

Ukraine (4-3) reduced the deficit to just eight points by game's end.

Ukraine will now go into their home game against Hungary looking for a win to clinch second place and advance to the Final Round.

Hungary (5-2) have a better record after a 73-66 home triumph over Israel on Wednesday, however, if Vadim Czeczuro's Ukraine win, they will advance since it prevailed in the first meeting in Sopron.

Quotes Belarus vs. Ukraine

Ukraine head coach Vadim Czeczura
"This match was a surprise. We were a little bit not assembled. First half - chaotic play in offense. Second half - we've rushed in chase. It was just not our day. We hope to beat Hungary."

Ukraine small forward Oleksandra Kurasova
"We have to believe more in ourselves, to adjust for the opponent. We had chances, but we didn't score the shots."

Belarus head coach Rimantas Grigas
"The match was tough - we have a small rotation because of injures. I thank the girls for their character, fighting features."

Belarus center Anastasia Veremeenko
"All girls played on 100%. Our Attitude, our tactics, the home crowd - all that helped us."