Lithuania Edge Latvia In Baltic Derby

Kriste Druskyte had a big double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds for Lithuania

Kriste Druskyte was the difference-maker for Lithuania who eventually squeezed past neighbours Latvia 71-66 to open up their Group A campaign with a victory at the U20 European Championship Women.

The forward finished with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds as the superior strength and size of the Lithuanians finally ended a gutsy Latvia performance which kept the result hanging in the balance up until the closing moments.

Right from the tip-off, it always looked like a game which would be decided primarily by how effectively Latvia could deal with the Lithuanian post-players and so it proved.

For while they generally did an excellent job and particularly on the dangerous Monika Grigalauskyte, Lithuania just had too much on the glass, pulling down a vital 17 offensive rebounds.

Both teams tried unsuccessfully to make a decisive break during an intense and physical contest. Each held seven point leads but it came down to crunch time as the impressive Krista Bridina made her fourth triple of the game to get Latvia within a point at 67-66.

However, they weren't to score again as Lithuania held their nerve to seal the win.