Russia Stay Perfect In Elimination Round



By Jared Grellet

10. Pavel Afanasev (Russia)
Pavel Afanasev filled the score-sheet with 28 points as Russia dominated Slovenia

Russia are one win away from confirming their spot in Division A for next year with their fourth victory in as many games at the Dadu U16 European Championship.

Perhaps the biggest surprise to be sent to the elimination round, Russia moved within one game of avoiding elimination with a resounding 102-57 victory over a hapless Slovenian side on Friday afternoon.

Already leading by eight points at the end of the opening quarter, Russia's lead continued to grow with every frame as five players made into double figures. Pavel Afanasev top-scored with 28.

Tilen Kodrin and Nejc Zupan both picked up 12 points for Slovenia.

The loss now means that regardless of what happens in their remaining two games, Slovenia are headed for Division B in 2013.

The only team that can still knock Russia out of the elite group is the Czech Republic who improved their record to two-and-two with a 67-63 win over England in Friday's earlier game.

Despite the closeness of the final score, the Czech Republic took control at the end of the opening frame and never looked to be in any real danger of losing. Matej Svoboda ended with 19 points whilst Daniel Klimek added 12.

Jules Dang picked up 15 points for England.

England are now confirmed to be joining Slovenia in Division B.

The Czech Republic need to win their two remaining games against Russia on Saturday and Slovenia on Sunday, and hope for England to upset Russia on Sunday to have any hope of retaining their place in Division A.


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