BANGKOK (FIBA U19 World Championship for Women) - Current European U18 Championship silver medalists France defeated last year's European U18 Championship winners Lithuania 65-56 to take the seventh place on Sunday.

France had failed to qualify for the 2005 and 2007 editions. Lithuania, who finished 12th in the 2007 edition at Bratislava, thus improved upon their previous finish.

Lithuania held a 22-18 edge at the end of the first quarter and were marginally ahead in the first five minutes of the second.

But France with a 5-0 run took a 29-25 lead towards the end of the first half and were always ahead after that.

Laurie Datchy led the French scoring with 13 points, one rebound and two assists.

Allison Vernerey had only nine points, but led the rebounds for the game with 15 collections - 12 in defence.

"I think we had a fairly good tournament. We had our good moment and bad ones. Overall, I am satisfied," said France coach Gregory Halin.

"It is nice to finish the championship with a win. A top-eight finish is alright, after all," Halin said.

Marina Solopova had an all-round scoring game in her game-high 21 points. She also collected six rebounds.

FIBA