EuroBasket Women 2017 Day 2 Report
Picture: FIBA.com
An enthralling second day of action hardly ever saw a dull moment, with plenty of tension, unpredictability, exceptional skills and memorable moments on display.
Slovak Republic vs Belarus
Going up against the Slovak Republic, Belarus were almost unrecognizable from the team that fell to Italy – more confident and more accurate. An early scoring run from them gave them the half-time lead. The Slovaks’, however, were lightning-fast passing the ball around and getting shots off in time, and they went on a scoring run of their own late in the third quarter, retaking the lead as they did. Belarus attempted a fight back, but they could not catch up with the Slovak Republic, who took their first win of the tournament, 68-59.
Montenegro vs Latvia
In the first quarter, Latvia were walked over by Montenegro and their easy baskets. Yet through good team organisation, on-court awareness and well-executed plays, the Baltic team got themselves back into it. From then on there was very little between the two, they would be deadlocked on points many times throughout the game. Latvia took advantage of slack defending, though, and their play from beyond the arc gave them what became an unassailable lead as the clock ticked down. They ran out winners, 76-55, and Montenegro now must win their final matchup if they are to have any hope of progressing.
Spain vs Ukraine
Ukraine upset the Czech Republic the day before, could they do it again against Spain? They early signs looked like that was entirely possible, as a big scoring run in the first half saw Ukraine take a double-digit lead. When the teams returned from the locker room, however, it was business as usual for Spain. They asserted themselves behind outstanding offensive performances from Alba Torrens and Marta Xargay and saw out the rest of the game to put their second win on the board. Between them, Alina Iagupova and Taisiia Udodenko had 44 of Ukraine’s 54 total points – an exceptional achievement.
Russia vs Belgium
29 points from Belgium in the first quarter seemed to signal they had it in the bag. Russia, however, took their time in mounting their comeback. Epiphany Prince’s great all-around performance helped to erase Belgium’s impressive lead. A late shot from Kseniia Tikhonenko from just inside the arc tied the game in the closing seconds, sending it into overtime, where it would remain tight. Both teams kept getting their noses in front, but some last minute, high-intensity defence from Belgium made all the difference, allowing them to see out a 76-75 lead.
Greece vs Slovenia
Having been so close to victory the day before, Slovenia were Greece played composed, high-pressure offence in the paint while Slovenia were deadly from long range, and this contrast made it difficult to predict a winner. Greece led the way during the first half, thanks in part to Styliani Kaltsidou’s 23 points, but in the second half Slovenia’s improved effort on defence and consistent scoring nudged them in front, but it was all they would need. Nika Baric’s final basket sealed a historic win for her team. Both
Czech Republic vs Hungary
Hungary and the Czech Republic were making it rain, with a total 12 three-point shots made. Taking advantage of the Czechs lack of defence, Hungary found the edge in this game, but the hosts would not go down without a fight. Alena Hanusova and Katerina Elhotova made the push for the Czech Republic, but a late flux of three-pointers from Hungary – they had eight in the game – would be the clincher. Some outstanding scoring performance from Hungary, who had two players scoring 20-plus points, earned them their first win of the tournament, 74-70, while the Czech Republic are now in very real trouble.
France vs Serbia
One of the biggest match-ups of the group stage, Serbia would be taking on France without their stricken talisman Ana Dabovic. Despite that, the Serbs were in control early on, behind the huge scoring effort of both Sonja Petrovic and Jelena Milovanovic. They would find themselves outdone by France’s unselfish team play, Martine Johannes’s outside shooting and a terrific late surge from Celine Dumerc. France ran away with it in the fourth quarter, leaving Serbia still without a win.
Italy vs Turkey
The grittiest, most tense game of the day, Turkey looked to assert themselves after Italy took an early lead, and when Turkey finally had the lead late in the second Italy fought to take it back. It was a very tight-knit game with neither team able to pull away. An individual battle ensued between Italy’s Cecilia Zandalasini – 23 points, 10 rebounds – and Turkey’s Quanitra Hollingsworth – 29 points and an other-worldly 21 rebounds – both out-playing everyone else on the floor. A late foul shot from Hollingsworth, however, would be all the difference, as Italy missed the last shot of the game, leaving the final score 54-53 in Turkey’s favour.
The deciding games will be played on Monday the 19th, until them keep up to date with the tournament on the official website.
