Belgium kept alive their slim hopes of finishing top of EuroBasket Women Additional Qualifying Round Group B with an 86-75 home victory over Croatia.

The Belgians won for the first time to leave both sides with 1-2 records, while Italy are top of the pool at 2-0.

Belgium will now attempt to win by 13 points in Siracusa, Italy, on Friday, to gain an advantage in a potential tie-breaker with the Azzurre.

Even if that were to happen, Italy could still win the group by claiming a third victory in four games when they play in Croatia in their last game.

Only the winners of Group A and Group B will advance to the Final Round.

Sara Leemans had 24 points and five rebounds for the battling Belgians, who were 11 of 18 from long range in the contest that was played in Liege.

Stephanie Dubuc was a perfect four of four from behind the arc on her way to 20 points.

Croatia, who finished nine of 27 from long range, got 16 points from Andja Jelavic.