Slovakia coach Jozef Resetar has good reason to believe that his women will be back in the
European Championships after watching win for the second straight time on Saturday.

Slovakia, behind Zuzana Zirkova's 36 points, beat Latvia 91-86.

"We played well and my players displayed good basketball," he said.

"We know about the power of Latvia, mostly under the basket. I am happy we found something to combat this - three-point shooting."

Slovakia made nine of 18 shots from three-point range.

Overall, Resetar's team made 32 of 59 (54%) shots from the field.

"We rebounded well, too," the coach added, "despite the big advantage our opponents had under the basket. I am fully satisfied."

Slovakia had 26 rebounds - six less than Latvia.

Zirkova, who made 12 of 16 (75%) shots, including three of seven from long range - including three of seven from long range - said: "I have to say my team-mates helped me a lot.

"I shot better and my self-confidence went up. This win is important for us."

Next up is a game against Croatia in Ruzomberok.

"It is a pity that we will not play the next game in Kosice again," Zirkova said.

"We have become accustomed to this sports hall."