Astou Ndour, in white, had a big game as Spain bounced back ©Getty Images

Defending champions Spain bounced back from a shock opening-game loss at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Women’s EuroBasket tournament today, while four sides remain unbeaten and are assured of a place in the knockout rounds.

Spain - upset by Belarus yesterday - swept aside Sweden 76-55 tonight at Valencia's Pavelló Municipal Font de Sant Lluís. 

Astou Ndour - named Most Valuable Player when Spain won the tournament in 2019 - double-doubled with 22 points and 13 rebounds.

Slovakia beat Belarus 58-54 in the other Group A game, leaving all four sides on three points and the pool wide open.

In Group B, which is also unfolding in Valencia, Serbia thrashed Greece 85-51 and are guaranteed a top-three finish.

Italy earned their first win, defeating Montenegro 77-61.

Over in France, the hosts earned a second win in Group D and so too did Russia, meaning both are through to the knockout rounds.

France beat the Czech's 71-51 at Rhénus Sport in Strasbourg, with Sandrine Gruda and Endy Miyem scoring 16 and 11 points respectively.

Russia defeated Croatia 73-62.


Meanwhile in Group C, Bosnia and Herzegovina won 64-54 against Turkey to ensure they will advance, while Belgium recovered from a surprise loss yesterday to overpower Slovenia.

Belgium won 92-57 and Emma Meesseman contributed 23 points.

There is a rest day scheduled tomorrow, ahead of the final set of group games.

First place in the group secures a place in the quarter-finals, while second and third will head to a knockout round which precedes the last-eight showdowns.

EuroBasket also serves as part of European qualification for the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.