EuroBasket Women 2017 Day 3 Report
Picture: FIBA.com
It was decision day on the final day of group play in EuroBasket Women 2017, as the teams still in contention learned their fates for the remainder of the tournament.
Hungary vs Ukraine
For much of the first half, Hungary and Ukraine were evenly matched, but it would be Ukraine’s composure and organisation that would make the difference – as would the 11 three-pointers they made. Hungary pulled off some stylish moves in the paint, but they couldn’t put up enough shots to match Ukraine, who finished on 84 points to 72. This game was a great exhibition of the skills and abilities that have made both these teams so impressive at this early stage of the competition.
Latvia vs Belgium
This was the closest-fought game of the tournament so far, only on two occasions were the teams more than three points apart. Belgium displayed great skills – the highlight being Marjorie Capreaux’s behind-the-back pass to Emma Meesseman for the layup. Latvia, meanwhile, created chances, found open shots, and displayed the fight and mentality that aided their win over Montenegro. In Q4 they took the biggest lead of the game, but Ann Wauters would be the hero for Belgium. Some decisive shots made by her in the last quarter helped her team erase their deficit, then take the lead. This tense game finished 62-58 to Belgium, whose first-rate basketball has seen them top Group D.
Serbia vs Slovenia
It was do or die for Serbia, but 30 first quarter points from Slovenia meant they had a big obstacle to overcome. Sonja Petrovic was doing it all for Serbia, creating plenty of scoring opportunities, both for her and her teammates. Slovenia were strong on shooting in the game – Nika Baric had an outrageous three from near half-court, but less fell for them as the game went on. An energetic Serbia found the most scoring chances and kept building their lead, they would finish the game 19 points ahead of Slovenia, and the win would see them stay alive in EuroBasket.
Belarus vs Turkey
Already eliminated from contention, Belarus had no real drive to do well against Turkey, and it showed. They showed little signs of a game plan and were overly reliant on playmaker Alex Bentley. It would be all too easy for Turkey, but they produced really good inside play and making many highlight reel moves. Leading for 35 minutes of regulation, they closed out an 88-74 win.
Montenegro vs Russia
Montenegro needed a win against Russia to keep any hopes alive. They played hard and were focused, making the most of every scoring opportunity. Russia, meanwhile, were once again well organised and with an impressive outside game. The game was tight and the teams evenly matched throughout, but in the final quarter Montenegro fell to pieces, with shot after shot falling short and unable to match Russia on defence or stop them on offence. Russia sent Montenegro packing, and their performance here indicating there is far more superb basketball to come from the veteran side.
Czech Republic vs Spain
The Czech Republic looked to leave the tournament with a win. It would be a tall order to do so against Spain, but the hosts did not once let their opponents intimidate them. The Czech trio of Kia Vaughan inside, Katerina Elhotova outside, and Alena Hanusova on defence kept it a tight contest, and in the end it would be their drive and determination – something Spain could not match them for – that would see them the victors. The Czech Republic were outstanding in the 67-63 win, but it was too little too late.
France vs Greece
In this back-and-forth game, France were not firing on all cylinders and Greece sought to take advantage of that. An amazing performance from Evanthia Maltsi – 25 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and good play in the paint from Artemis Spanou saw Greece put France to the sword. The French responded with good team play, passing, and on-court awareness, finding the best open spaces on the floor. It went down to the wire, but France’s shot selection and shooting ability ended for them with a narrow win, 70-63, concluding a game where the better team were not the victors.
Slovakia vs Italy
Slovakia had to fight to stay in winning contention against Italy. The Italians’ composure and shooting ability best illustrated early on when Elisa Penna missed her floating layup, but she caught her own rebound and converted. The Slovaks were fast, alert, and highly accurate shooting from outside, which kept it a narrow contest, but Italy were the more dominant side. Their consistency and 15 points and 12 rebounds from Cecelia Zanadlasini saw them ahead 68-61 when the clock ran out.
With group play over, the match-ups for the knockout round are now set:
Elimination Round (20th June): Serbia vs Latvia, Italy vs Hungary, Russia vs Greece, Ukraine vs Slovakia
Quarter Finals (22nd June): Spain vs Serbia or Latvia, Belgium vs Italy or Hungary, Turkey vs Russia or Greece, France vs Ukraine or Slovakia.
Play in the tournament so far has been exceptional, and the games to come should result in more exciting, unpredictable basketball of the highest quality.
Keep up to date with all things EuroBasket Women on the tournament's official website.
