Twenty-year-olds who erased a huge deficit fall in the quarterfinals

France secured a hard-fought victory over Lithuania in a quarterfinal game, with a final score of 70-61. The French team established an early lead, finishing the first quarter ahead 29-12 and extending their advantage to 42-26 by halftime. By the 4-minute mark of the third quarter, France was leading 55-35.

However, the host nation Lithuania mounted an impressive comeback. In a remarkable 24-7 run, they significantly closed the gap. Lithuania won the second and third quarters, and early in the fourth, a three-pointer by Gustė Dziatkauskaitė and a two-pointer by Danielė Paunksnytė reduced the deficit to 48-58 with 32 minutes played.

Following a French timeout, Lithuania's defense held strong. Sintija Aukštikalnytė then hit a three-pointer, and Gabija Galvanauskaitė added a two-pointer, bringing the score to 55-58. Lithuania came within one shot of tying the game. France's Sarah Cisse responded with four consecutive points, but Lithuanian efforts through D. Paunksnytė and G. Galvanauskaitė again brought them close at 59-62.

In the final minute, Ainhoa Risacher sank a crucial three-pointer for France. Despite late attempts by Lithuania, their shots were inaccurate, sealing the victory for the French. Lithuania is scheduled to play the loser of the Turkey vs. Spain quarterfinal on Saturday.