Unstoppable Etute delivers history for Luxembourg with Final spot alongside Croatia

SOFIA (Bulgaria) - It was a landmark day in Sofia for Luxembourg and Croatia as they both celebrated reaching the Final of the FIBA U18 Women's Championship, Division B.

In the case of Luxembourg, it was a major slice of history as they made their first ever title game at the event and secured a maiden medal in the process. Once again it was another simply epic performance from Faith Ehi Etute that was behind the success as she starred in a dramatic 65-64 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Not only did she come up with her customary double-double and mind-blowing performance efficiency valuation - this time 41 after harvesting 33 points and 19 rebounds - she blocked a last second shot to seal the deal.

Etute also came up with 6 steals, although massive credit must go to her teammate Isa Hamalainen whose supporting all-action effort was critical with 18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. 

Earlier, Croatia were the first to punch their ticket to the title showdown as they won a defensively dominated Semi-Finals matchup against Greece. They managed to grind out a hard-fought 45-41 victory thanks mainly to Petra Bozan after posting 13 points and 13 rebounds as the standout contribution in the contest.


There was also a creditable 10 points and 10 boards from Lana Beslic, where in stark contrast, Greece had an off day offensively. Inaccuracy from behind the three-point line proved to be particularly costly for them as they missed 16 of their 18 attempts. Only Eleni Margelou managed a double-digit scoring return with 13 points.

Meanwhile, there was double disappointment for both Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina as it was confirmed that the third placed side will not be promoted from Division B. This is as a result of Portugal finishing in the bottom three of Division A because they will host the tournament in 2024 and therefore not be relegated. 

FIBA