PRAGUE (Olympics) - The Czech Republic were among the five sides to earn a trip to the London Games at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women (OQTW).
Now the side that is number four in the FIBA Rankings for Women has a confidence-boosting two-game sweep of Russia under its belt.
Lubor Blazek's side hosted both games against the Russians and won the first, 73-63, with Eva Viteckova pouring in 21 points.
The Czechs prevailed in the second, 57-48.
What most impressed Blazek about the second victory is that the Czechs came from behind to beat the European powerhouse.
Down 27-23 at half-time, Blazek's side outscored the Russians 20-7 in the third quarter.
Viteckova again led the team in scoring with 20 points.
"Even though we were losing, we were able to turn it around," Blazek said.
"We have shown mental strength. Twice to defeat Russia is quite good.
"It's encouraging, but nothing can be overestimated.
"At the beginning of championships, Russia always start worse and get better as they go along."
The Czechs, who have played at the last two Olympics, will play in Group A against the United States, Angola, Turkey, Croatia and China while Russia are in Group B and will take on Australia, Brazil, Great Britain, Canada and France.
Russia, meanwhile, have decided to make veteran center Irina Osipova the captain of the national team.
With Maria Stepanova injured and unavailable for national team duty, the two-time European champion Osipova has filled the void.
The only player with more Russian appearances in official competition than Osipova (94) in the squad is Ilona Korstin (102).
FIBA
