KIGALI (Rwanda) - Hungary and Great Britain arrived in Kigali highly-rated, but only one of them will stay in contention after Saturday's Semi-Final at BK Arena in Kigali.
Ahead of this highly-anticipated encounter, it's fair to say that Hungary and Great Britain share more similarities than differences, making this a MUST-WATCH clash.
Both teams started their campaigns in the Rwandan capital on the losing side of events, but are going from strength to strength. Hungary and Great Britain are now 2-1 each.
Hungary v Great Britain - Who makes it to the Final?
Key Matchup
If you wonder what defensive strategy Hungary will come up with to try and neutralise Holly Winterburn, the answer is on their defensive effort, consisting on constant switching and aggressiveness.
However, Debora Dubei, a savvy and aggressive defender, might be the one tasked to limit Winterburn's actions.
Both Dubei and Winterburn will sure cross paths one way or another, considering their prominent roles in their respective teams.
Winterburn has been doing it all for Great Britain, averaging team-highs of 13 points and 6 assists per game while Dubei - alongside Agnes Torot - appears as Hungary's primary scoring option, contributing 14 points per game.
Winterburn has been superb for Great Britain doing a bit of everything for Anna Montañana's team, and finishing a rebound shy of a triple-double against Lebanon says it all about her impactful presence.
X-factor
It can't be denied how both teams' benches have been huge. Three games into the tournament, and Great Britain's bench has scored 1 point more (70-69) than Hungary's. In times of a do-or-die everyone must contribute, and whoever is coming off the bench should be able to deliver.
Stats don't lie
Numbers speak for themselves. Hungary are headed to the Semi-Final averaging a tournament-high 81.7 per game against Great Britain's 66.
Unlike Great Britain who average 26 percent from the arc, Hungary lead the tournament with 33 percent from long range.
Past matchups
Hungary and Great Britain last faced off at a major competition at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019 in Belgrade. Great Britain had a historic campaign beating Hungary 62-59 in the Quarter-Finals before falling short to eventual runners-up France 63-56 in the semis.
They said:
"This is an amazing opportunity. I personally don't know the last time they (Great Britain) played in the World Cup. This means a lot to us.. We really want this .. We are keeping fighting for it and give our best shot. We know that they [Hungary] are a really great team. We are excited for the challenge. I am sure the coaches will prepare us very well for this game." - Great Britain forward Maya Price.
“The most important thing is that we are now playing as a real team and we can improve together day by day. Of course it [playing in the Semi-Final] brings some pressure, but we can play under pressure. I think we’ll be able to handle this.” - Hungary center Virag Kiss.
"I am looking forward to the [Semi-Final] challenge and we want to win the tournament. If you want to win this tournament you have to beat everyone.” - Hungary head coach Peter Volgyi.
FIBA