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MADRID (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women) - The Czech Republic had to battle but prevailed against a brave Argentina 77-55 in the Group B encounter at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Behind the spirited play of Carolina Sanchez, who had 18 points in the first half, the South Americans took a 25-18 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The Czechs hit back to told a 38-35 advantage at half-time and with Sanchez having to leave the game early in the second half following  a hard spill on the court, the European team pulled away for a decisive victory.

Hana Machova had 16 points and Katerina Elhotova 15 for the Czechs, who finished fifth at last year's EuroBasket.

Sanchez returned to the bench with a bandaged nose late in the fourth quarter but played no further part in the contest.

Argentina will now need to beat Angola to reach the quarter-finals.

FIBA