Host Czechs advance to finals of women's worlds

KARLOVY VARY, Czech Republic (AP) - Eva Viteckova scored 18 of her 21 points in the second half and overtime to lead the Czech Republic to a thrilling 81-77 victory over Belarus in the semifinals of the women's basketball world championship.

The Czechs, who made the semifinals by knocking off defending champion Australia, will face the winner of the U.S. and Spain game on Sunday for the gold medal.

This was the first time that the Czechs had advanced to the medal round since dissolving from Slovakia in 1993. The former Czechoslovakia won two silver medals and four bronzes from 1953-1975.

Similar to the men's world championship with host Turkey making it to the gold-medal game, the Czechs didn't disappoint their home fans. A spirited sellout crowd celebrated the biggest win in the country's history.