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BRATISLAVA (FIBA U19 World Championship for Women) - Hosts Slovak Republic made it two wins from two in the eighth-finals stage with a narrow 66-61 victory over China in the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women.

The Group E high-flyers withstood some fierce pressure from their Asian opponents before a strong third period secured the five-point win.

The result now means China must win their next game against Korea if they are to have any chance of progressing into the knockout phase.

Both sides started the encounter in cautious fashion, matching each other score-for-score as they ended the first period level at 10-10.

The clash continued in much the same manner in the second quarter as China edged a close first half to take a 29-26 lead going into the interval.

And the visitors remained one-point ahead with three minutes remaining in the third period, but a devastating spell from the home side saw them register eight points without reply before taking a 51-45 lead going into the final 10 minutes.

But the hosts` advantage was reduced to just two points with 36 seconds remaining as Banban Yang struck an impressive three-pointer to set up an exciting finale.

Yet the Slovaks managed to hold on and, with the help of Regina Palusna`s 17 points and a 15-point haul from Janka Mincikova, secured two vital points.

Drew Williams
FIBA