Czechs knock off defending champion Australia
KARLOVY VARY, Czech Republic (AP) - Eva Viteckova scored 27 points to help the Czech Republic knock off defending champion Australia 79-68 Friday at the women's worlds.
The host nation will face Belarus in the semifinals on Saturday. Belarus upset top-seeded Russia.
Leading 52-51, the Czech's opened the final quarter with a 11-2 run. Hana Horakova hit back-to-back 3s to start the period and Viteckova capped the spurt with a 3 that gave them a 63-53 lead. That ignited the spirited home crowd, which included Czech Republic President Vaclav Claus.
Australia tried to mount a comeback, but could only get within six in the final 2 minutes.
Liz Cambage scored 22 points to lead Australia. Lauren Jackson had 13 points.
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