Sweden slip past the Brits, Spain survive a close call, as Sabally sisters shine

MUNICH (Germany) - From upsets to close calls and some seriously impressive statement wins, there was plenty to enjoy during Gameday 1 of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers.

Following on from Wednesday's shock win for Poland at holders Belgium, there was intrigue during the 16 games played on Thursday night. This included 2023 Finalists Spain having to work hard to dodge a bullet, plus Great Britain being undone on home soil.

Key Storylines

- Sweden win a nail-biter in Great Britain to get the edge in Group D

- Spain survive a major scare in Croatia after coming from behind

- Sabally sisters star for Germany as they take victory in Czechia

- Injury hit France and Hungary both make statements with convincing wins

-  Poland beat holders Belgium on Wednesday night in opening day shock

Highs

Efficiency: 32 – Tina Krajisnik (Serbia), Awak Kuier (Finland)
Points: 27 – Awak Kuier (Finland), Tina Krajisnik (Serbia)
Rebounds: 18 – Emese Hof (Netherlands)
Assists: 10 – Weronika Gajda (Poland), Pinelopi Pavlopoulou (Greece)
Steals: 6 – Alexandra Mollenhauer (Azerbaijan)
Blocks: 5 – Awak Kuier (Finland)

Sweden sink Great Britain in nail-biter

There was a nervy but fine road win for Sweden as they eased out Great Britain 64-62 in Manchester in what could be a pivotal result in the quest to finish top of Group D. There was little between the teams throughout and it came down to crunch time.

Sweden came up with two huge offensive rebounds in the last 90 seconds which was crucial and they benefited from Great Britain inexplicably choosing not to foul in the closing seconds of the game. Klara Lundquist was terrific for the visitors with 18 points and 10 boards, while Temi Fagbenle had 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Brits.

Spain survive scare in Split

Stepping out for the Final in Ljubljana a few months ago, Spain were in danger of starting their campaign with a loss, but eventually rode out 70-65 winners in Group A against Croatia.

There were only a few minutes remaining when Spain eventually found some daylight in a game that had witnessed 12 lead changes. Queralt Casas stood out for Spain with an all-action 11 points, 7 boards, 4 assists and 3 steals, with Alba Torrens offering priceless veteran know- how. Patricia Bura starred in defeat with 15 points and 8 rebounds.

France defy list of absentees to leap past Latvia

Struck by a lengthy list of missing ballers, the ones who were available for France certainly done the business by posting a fantastic team effort as they swept past Latvia 71-49 in Group E.

A red-hot start was fundamental and gave them the platform to be dominant for the remainder of the game. Janelle Salaun scored a game high 15 points and it was an outing to forget for Latvia with no players making double digits.

Hungary out to impress again

Fresh from their exploits at the 2023 edition when they made the Semi-Finals for the first time since the 1990's, Hungary showed they are ready to stay at the top table in Europe by blowing away Slovenia 70-51 in Group B.

The hosts were too hot to handle as Virag Kiss contributed 16 points and 7 boards, with the team further boosted by the return of Dorka Juhasz in a national team jersey. Slovenia badly missing their injured leader and playmaker, Teja Oblak, although center Eva Lisec did her best to inspire the visitors with a fine 27 points.

Sabally sisters step out and shine with Germany

It was a night to remember for Nyara and Satou Sabally as they played together for the first time in the Qualifiers with Germany. It was also made memorable since Germany took a convincing 85-41 success against Czechia.

 
Nyara stepped off court with 17 points and 13 rebounds having been perfect from open play, while Satou racked up a team-high 21 points on her return to national team duties.

Poland show potential by mauling the Cats

New Poland head coach Karol Kowalewski and his players made everyone sit up and take notice by beating champions Belgium 67-62 in Antwerp. Turning a new page with the naturalized Stephanie Mavunga, it was their new addition that led the way after the forward finished with  21 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks.

However it was a team effort, with Poland getting off to a superb start and also helped by a fabulous double-double of 11 points and 10 assists by Weronika Gajda. Belgium were led by 16 points from Emma Meesseman and it's worth pointing out that they lost their first game of the previous qualifiers at the start of their journey to the top step of the podium in Ljubljana.

Wednesday, November 8

Group C: Belgium 67-62 Poland

Thursday, November 9

Group A: Croatia 65-70 Spain; Netherlands 64-45 Austria 
Group B: Hungary 70-51 Slovenia; Bulgaria 65-75 Finland 
Group C: Lithuania 99-62 Azerbaijan 
Group D: Denmark 81-53 Estonia; Great Britain 62-64 Sweden 
Group E:  France 71-49 Latvia
Group F:  Turkiye 75-40 Slovakia; Romania 82-70 Iceland 
Group G: Serbia 82-40 Ukraine; Portugal 65-52 North Macedonia 
Group H: Switzerland 48-56 Luxembourg; Bosnia and Herzegovina 70-91 Montenegro 
Group I: Czechia 41-85 Germany; Italy 76-67 Greece 

FIBA