Slovenia, Lithuania, Spain and Russia advance to quarters
(AP)
Updated: 2005-09-19 11:07

BELGRADE, Serbia-Montenegro - Slovenia, Spain, Russia and defending champion Lithuania advanced to the quarterfinals of the European Championship on Sunday.

Germany's Dirk Nowitzki (L), who plays for the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, controls the ball against Russia's Victor Khryapa, who plays for the NBA's Portland Trailblazers, during their European basketball championship preliminary round match in Vrsac, Serbia & Montenegro September 18, 2005. Germany won the game 51-50. [Reuters]

Slovenia and Lithuania advanced with 3-0 records, while Russia and Spain won their groups despite losing their final preliminary round games.

In Tuesday's playoffs to determine the other quarterfinalists, Serbia-Montenegro plays France, Germany meets Turkey, Greece faces Israel and Croatia takes on Italy.

The four winners of each group advanced directly to the quarterfinals, while second- and third-place teams went into an additional playoff round to advance.

Dirk Nowitzki's 3-pointer with 27 seconds left lifted Germany to a 51-50 win over Russia _ the only time Germany led in a game marked by poor shooting.

Nowitzki, the Dallas Mavericks' All-Star, finished with 24 points and 19 rebounds. He shot 1-for-6 from 2-point range and 5-for-12 from beyond the arc. Russia's Andrei Kirilenko, of the Utah Jazz, had two key turnovers late in the game.

Germany scored 16 points in the first half and was scoreless for the first six minutes of the third quarter. Russia struggled with its shooting and led by 10 before Nowitzki started hitting his shots.

Nowitzki made two free throws to tie it at 45-all, but Russia stayed just ahead until Kirilenko slipped on the dribble and turned the ball over. Nowitzki drew a foul and made two free throws to cut Russia's lead to 50-48. Kirilenko again slipped and lost the ball and Nowitzki hit the winning 3-pointer.

Page:

1

2

3

Close

Stars of Inter Milan shine in victory over Lecce Liu Xiang won the men's 110m hurdles in Shanghai China rout S. Korea 94-49

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
China's new North Korea proposal praised         New cotton strain to raise output by 25%         German election mandate still in question         Sirens mark anniversary of Japan invasion         China lauds stable yuan since July revaluation         Relief at hand for thirsty northern cities	Nadal claims men's title at ATP China Open       Slovenia, Lithuania, Spain and Russia advance to quarters       Sun Jihai hits framework as Man City suffer blow       Celtic manage 1-0 win; Du Wei rest with injury       Juventus maintain perfect start, Milan lose       Pierce restores French hopes in Fed Cup thriller