EuroBasket Women 2017 Finals Report
Picture: FIBA.com
The tournament having reached the business end, it was all to play for both those contesting for places at the 2018 World Championship, and for those seeking a more immediate reward - the EuroBasket Women 2017 title.
Semi Finals
Spain vs Belgium
In their semi-final, Belgium attempted to put Spain to the sword early on, but their outside shooting and phenomenal passing were not enough to pass the Spanish offensive juggernaut. While in possession Spain were strong and had good shot selection, and on defence they contained the biggest threats – Emma Meesseman finished with only five points. This successful game plan saw Spain comfortably take their place in the final.
Greece vs France
Greece vs France was a more tense and exciting affair. A close game for the first three quarters, France had the slight edge, but the score line was tight throughout. Greece were playing well both on offence, led by Styliani Kaltsidou’s 15 points, and defence, but all that ended in the fourth quarter, when France stepped up their defence and finally put an end to the Greek threat. France kept converting on offence as Greece, now seemingly with nothing left in the tank, tried in vain to stop them. France came out on top 77-55, a score line that was not reflective of the game itself.
Classification Games
In the first of the playoffs for fifth place, Turkey trounced Slovakia, and then in a close encounter, Italy and Latvia fought it out for 39 minutes, and Italy looked to have sealed it right at the end. However a late jump shot from Aija Putnina and Anete Steinberga making good on the free-throw line gave Latvia a one-point lead. With two second left Raffaella Masciadri let go a three-pointer, which hit the rim. Latvia duly celebrated, their win here sending them to their first world championship.
The following day, three Italian players in double-figures helped them secure seventh place over Slovakia. Following which, Latvia’s shooting unit, who have been invaluable to them in this tournament, fought a pitch battle against Turkey, but a great scoring performance from Quanitra Hollingsworth, who had 24 points, helped see Turkey take the fifth place spot.
Belgium’s win in the bronze medal game was down simply to the fact that they wanted it more. Their star trio of Emma Meesseman, Ann Wauters and Kim Mestdagh played more minutes and found more scoring chances than anyone playing for Greece (with the exception of Evanthia Maltsi). They looked determined to make their appearance at EuroBasket 2017 count and bring home their first medal from a major tournament, which they did 78-45.
The Final: Spain vs France
To begin with, the final was tight, with seven lead changes in the first quarter, as both teams had come out fighting. France and Spain played tough defence and communicated well, making it hard for either side to find open looks. It would be Spain’s tenacity, however, that would make the difference. Their top scorers Sancho Lyttle and Alba Torrens – 19 and 18 points respectively – as well as playmaker Laura Nicholls and big off the bench Anna Cruz created an offensive push that made the most of their time in possession, overpowering the French defence and making good on scoring.
France’s Celine Dumerc was determined to finally see gold in her third finals appearance, but even her 15 points to go along with some good outside shooting from Diandra Tchatchouang and Marine Johannes would not be enough. They were not playing at quite the same level as Spain, who, as the game went on, started to run away with it. France were worthy opponents, and 71-55 score line not entirely reflective of their performance. Having been unflappable throughout the tournament, and playing consistent, quality basketball, Spain were deserving winners.
Alba Torrens, on top form throughout the past ten days, was named tournament MVP and to the all-tournament team, along with Endene Diyem of France, Emma Meesseman of Belgium, Evanthia Maltsi of Greece and Cecilia Zandalasini of Italy.
The tournament will next take place in 2019, where hosting duties will be shared by Latvia and Serbia.
All reactions to the final results and everything about women's basketball can be found on the EuroBasket Women 2017 official website and at FIBA.com.
