EuroBasket Women 2017 Day 1 Report
Picture: FIBA.com
The opening day of EuroBasket 2017 was highly eventful, full of unexpected results and tense clashes with a lot of great skills on show - hopefully more of this is to come.
In the opening game of Group B, poor defending saw Belarus demolished by a young Italian side, who seized every opportunity left for them. Italy played unselfishly as they exposed the gaps their opponents left open and their lead built throughout the game. Belarus’ only answer was some effective outside play by Alex Bentley, who had 17 points in the game, but they were massively outclassed. Cecelia Zandalasini impressed with 18 points to go with 20 from Giorgia Sottana.
Emma Meesseman did not disappoint in her EuroBasket debut, scoring 18 points and grabbing 7 rebounds in Belgium’s game against Montenegro. Through both Meesseman playing like Emma Meesseman and a lot of outside looks, Belgium found themselves with an early 25-13 lead. However, Montenegro would fight back, playing tough interior offence and keeping the pressure high on both ends. They had a chance to tie, or win, with five seconds left, but a steal from Marjorie Carpreaux sealed a narrow 66-64 victory. The Belgian Cats came back to the competition roaring after a ten-year absence.
Both Turkey and the Slovak Republic seemed evenly matched in their opening encounter: both sharing the ball well, creating chances and scoring big from the outside, but it was Turkey’s firepower and ability to find shots that made the difference. Barbora Balintova of Slovakia outscored everyone else with 17, and also was also responsible for one of the moves of the game - stripping Isil Alben on defence then running all the way down court for a layup. Despite her best efforts, they would not be enough to take down Turkey.
Latvia looked impressive early on against Russia, keeping it tight before taking the lead in the first. Their consistency and stamina would let them down, though, and Russia soon found themselves with a comfortable lead behind 19 points from Epiphany Prince and a double-double from Maria Vadeeva. Elina Babkina did everything she could to keep Latvia in the game, but quick-witted Russia found too many scoring chances and saw out the game with a 12-point victory.
Ukraine broke many Czech hearts on opening day. Terrific, well-executed plays from the eastern Europeans, as well as top-notch defence and an exceptional performance from Alina Iagupova were nothing near anything the sloppy and badly organized Czech Republic side could produce. The hosts will have to find something new if they are to survive in this tournament.
Defending champions Serbia were surprised as anyone to find themselves on the back foot against Greece. At the start of the game the Serbs were not very alert and Greece capitalised with great inside play. Ana Dabovic made a three in the third quarter to give Serbia the first lead of the game, but that only galvanised their opponents, who found themselves on fire shooting from the outside. They quickly took the lead back and held on to it for a nine-point win.
After 24 years, Slovenia made their debut in international competition, and made an impression against France. The French took an early double-digit lead but Slovenia fought their way back into contention, and in Q2 found themselves out in front. From this moment in the game there was only a few points between the two teams. Slovenia had a late surge thanks to a standout performance from Nika Baric, who was one of five Slovenians scoring in double figures, but a late layup from Marielle Amant with seconds to go gave France a two-point lead. Slovenia, despite a heroic effort, were unable to steal it at the death. France got the win, but also had the scare of their lives.
There was nothing Hungary could do to stop Spain – they played excellent defence and made the most of their scoring chances, they were simply out-played. Spain could not stop scoring baskets, 11 of the 12 players that took to the court scored, and put on a great display of their world-class skills. All credit to Hungary, though, for not giving in. Theirs was a performance full of promise which should bode well for them.
We'll be back tomorrow with a full report of all of Day Two's action. Keep up to date with the tournament on the official website.
