Slovenia win FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2023, Division B, defeating Germany

Posted : 07 August 2023

Slovenia clinched the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2023, Division B title, securing their spot in the top tier for next summer by defeating Germany 57-47 in the Sunday Final.

Building upon their 2016 championship victory, Slovenia executed a dominant fourth-quarter performance that stifled their opponents, limiting Germany to only one basket and achieving a decisive 17-2 quarter score.

Taking control of the boards and tightening their defensive grip during the final stretch, Slovenia was propelled by impressive contributions from Anja Dragar. Her remarkable performance included 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 crucial blocks, underscoring the pivotal aspects of their triumph. Hana Sambolic's role was also significant, amassing 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Despite a valiant effort by Germany's standout player Frieda Buhner, who earned the MVP title of the tournament, contributing nearly a double-double with 9 points and 12 rebounds in the championship match, the loss was disappointing for her and her team.

Meanwhile, Netherlands secured the Third Place Game with relative ease, defeating Switzerland 68-51 and adding to their previous gold medal victory in the 2009 event.

This outcome denied Switzerland the opportunity to make history by achieving their first podium finish, as they struggled to gain ground throughout the game. Netherlands were led by Lotte van Kruistum's 13 points and an impressive 17 rebounds, while Iris Vennema contributed 15 points. Viktoria Ranisavljevic responded with 16 points for the Swiss.

Elsewhere, in the competition's final day, host nation Romania secured 5th place by defeating Iceland 69-59. Paloma Cucu's dynamic performance, featuring 11 points, 8 rebounds, 6 steals, and 5 assists, played a crucial role in the victory.

In the battle for 7th place, Norway triumphed over Ireland 83-78, supported by Aurore Sorbye's impactful performance of 17 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. Slovakia outlasted Great Britain 68-59 to secure the 11th spot, with Alexandra Erdelyiova scoring 19 points.

A shootout ensued between Greece and Croatia for 9th place, with the latter emerging victorious with an 81-77 scoreline, despite Eleni Bosgana's impressive 29-point performance for Greece. Croatia's balanced effort, with five players achieving double-digit scores, proved decisive.

Bulgaria secured the 13th spot by prevailing over Ukraine 70-64, with Ivana Boneva contributing 19 points. In a determined effort, Erin Foxhall's 23 points and 9 rebounds helped Austria avoid the bottom position, as they claimed 15th place with a 61-55 victory against Georgia.

Final Standings:

1. Slovenia
2. Germany
3. Netherlands
4. Switzerland
5. Romania
6. Iceland
7. Norway
8. Ireland
9. Croatia
10. Greece
11. Slovakia
12. Great Britain
13. Bulgaria
14. Ukraine
15. Austria
16. Georgia

Slovenia win FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2023, Division B, defeating Germany

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