MUNICH (Germany) - The FIBA Women's EuroBasket Qualifiers have always produced surprise results and it was no different during the third and final window of the race to make the 2025 edition of the prestigious tournament.
There were shock results right across the last two gamedays, with the FIBA World Ranking Women, presented by NIKE serving as a handy reference point to assess the scale of the upsets. Here is the full list, in order of differential in World Ranking:
Here's a closer look at the top five upsets on the list which are all differences of 37 or more.
1. Switzerland dominate Bosnia and Herzegovina again
Switzerland knew that to wrap up a landmark campaign and seal a return to the FIBA Women's EuroBasket after 69 years away, they didn't just need a victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina. They needed a comprehensive one to ensure they would be in contention basket-difference wise, in the shake up to be one of the best runner-ups.
They delivered on both fronts, beating their opponents with an eye-popping 87-39 win, fuelled by 27 points from Stephanie Martinez. After a nervous wait for a few hours, their place was confirmed and the celebrations started.
2. Bulgaria complete a famous double over Hungary
There was a sense of deja vu as once again Bulgaria took down Hungary, the 2023 FIBA Women's EuroBasket Semi-Finalists. That was made stronger by the fact that just like in the previous window, it was Khaalia Hillsman who did the damage with a spectacular effort in a thrilling 92-89 overtime triumph.
The frontcourt star went to work and claimed 24 points and 13 rebounds, with Borislava Hristova also amassing 24 points to ensure Hungary were not able to book their return to Final Round.
3. Switzerland lock down Montenegro
While everyone will remember the famous night when they booked their return by beating Bosnia and Herzegovina, it was perhaps the 55-47 success against Montenegro in their penultimate game that provided the launch-pad for qualification.
It was a huge defensive effort and even more eye-catching since their opponents had the dangerous powerhouse Natasha Mack back in their lineup. Evita Herminjard paced the win with an impressive haul of 18 points.
4. Luxembourg power past Bosnia and Herzegovina
This was a superb 78-37 road win for Luxembourg and the biggest in their history on their travels. It was inspired by a career night from Anne Simon who erupted for 25 points, 9 boards, 7 steals and 5 assists in a stellar effort.
It set Luxembourg up perfectly for a shot at history on the last day of the Qualifiers, but they were not able to capitalize and ended up being edged out in a three-way tie.
5. Portugal shutdown Serbia to seal historic chapter
Nobody who was in Coimbra for this one will ever forget the night Portugal punched their maiden FIBA Women's EuroBasket ticket with a superb 57-40 success against two-time champions, Serbia.
Portugal were the only lower ranked team to claim a victory against a nation ranked in the top 10 in the world. The fact they shut them out and held them to just 40 points was a truly incredible defensive effort.
FIBA