Russia captured a bronze medal at the UMCOR U18 European Championship Women on Sunday after coming back from a nine-point deficit at the start of the fourth quarter to win 71-65 over Poland in Novi Sad.

The Russians, whose title dreams were ended by Serbia in Saturday's semi-finals, found themselves playing catch-up with 10 minutes to go and made the crucial plays to prevail.

Tournament MVP candidate Jelena Milovanovic believes Serbia will avenge last year's defeat to Spain because they have homecourt advantage.

Serbia take on the defending champions on Sunday at the UMCOR U18 European Championship Women in Novi Sad and much of their hopes will rely on Milovanovic's inspiration.

High-scoring Jelena Milovanovic poured in 32 points as host nation Serbia crushed Russia 75-53 to reach the final of the UMCOR U18 European Championship Women in Novi Sad.

Guided by Milovanovic's hot hand, unbeaten Serbia delivered some telling blows late in the third quarter, breaking open a close game.

Spain staged a dramatic fightback in the final five minutes to stun Poland 71-66 and reach the final of the UMCOR U18 European Championship Women for the fourth consecutive year.

The defending champions were on the ropes and trailing 62-54 but showed true resolve to beat the Poles.

Officials of FIBA Europe, the city of Novi Sad and representatives of all 16 teams competing at the UMCOR U18 Championship Women came together Friday at the city's town hall to pay tribute to the efforts of all those involved in the event.

“We are very pleased to once again welcome FIBA Europe to Novi Sad,” Said Mayor Maja Gojkovic.

For a coach experiencing his first European U18 Championship for Women, Spain boss Carlos Colinas looks extremely at ease.

But with the Spanish having won the last three European tournaments in a row, one would think he might feel some pressure to keep the streak alive.

Host nation Serbia beat Ukraine 84-62 to reach the semi-finals of the UMCOR U18 European Championship for Women as the only unbeaten team in the competition.

Serbian guard Nina Bogicevic had a game-high 22 points and pulled down 13 rebounds while team-mate Jelena Milovanovic poured in 20.

Spain thrashed Russia 76-39 to clinch top spot in Group E as both teams made it through to the semi-finals of the UMCOR U18 European Championship for Women.

The defending champions went into the game knowing that a defeat would knock them out of medal contention.

Diandra Tchatchouang scored a game-high 17 points to lead France to a 70-49 victory over Slovakia on Thursday, on the crucial day of the qualifying round at the UMCOR European Championship for Women.

Team-mates Sarah Michel and Lorraine Lokoka added 10 points apiece.