Filonchyk Magic Sends Belarus Through

Maryia Papova was the second Belarusian player scoring in double figures, summing up 11 points and seven rebounds

Maryia Filonchyk chose the perfect time to post one of the most outstanding performances so far at the U20 European Championship Women as Belarus passed into the Second Round courtesy of a 72-66 win against Lithuania.

The center harvested a magical double-double of 26 points and 13 rebounds as Belarus finally came alive in Debrecen to seal the victory they needed to put them through to the second phase of the competition.

Having lost both of their opening games, Belarus needed a positive start to breed confidence and that is exactly what they got by opening up an early 22-11 advantage.

However, their superiority was then eroded as Lithuania came storming back with an improved second period.

Trailing 33-19, they held their opponent to just five points in the last four minutes leading up to the break, and, after scoring 15 points themselves, it set up an intriguing second half.

But, Belarus eased away again and led by Filonchyk, they re-established another double-figure lead during the last ten minutes.

Lithuania knew points difference could be vital and they launched a late comeback which was essential to avoid being eliminated.

However, the fate of Lithuania is still not in their own hands since Spain and neighbours Latvia will meet each other in the last Group A game. A success for the Spanish will send Lithuania through and a Latvian win will resign them to a relegation fight.