After Saturday drama, this is why more history could flow on final day

UDINE (FIBA U18 Women's European Championship 2018) - A historic and dramatic Saturday at the FIBA U18 Women's  European Championship 2018 could be repeated on what is shaping up to be a thrilling final day of the tournament.

Germany made their first-ever Final after beating Latvia 66-37 to write a new chapter in their history. They were on top from tip to buzzer, with Luisa Geiselsoder leading the way with 15 points.

They will go up against Spain, who came out on top  57-54 in a dramatic Semi-Final win against Hungary, who will now face Latvia for the last podium step.

As for Germany, they will need to deal with the Spanish defense and rich tradition of their opponent if they want  to create yet more history with a first title. They certainly have cause for optimism and could yet find themselves in the incredible position of going from Division B, to landing Division A silverware in  just 12 months.

Elsewhere in the competition on an eventful Saturday, Belgium and Czech Republic will compete for the last remaining ticket to the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2019. The former beat France 59-49 off the back of 25 points from rising star Maxuella Lisowa Mbaka and Czech Republic eased past Russia 59-51. 

In the relegation battle, there was a major slice of history for Ireland as they took their first ever win in the top flight. They beat Sweden 53-52 in a nail-biter, as Dayna Finn dropped 22 points.

 The result means that they relegated Sweden and Ireland will stay in Division A if they beat Bosnia and Herzegovina, who pushed Slovenia through the Division B trap door with a commanding 47-67 success. 

Reasons Germany could make history

Unfinished Business/Revenge

Both rosters are filled with many of the stars who will feel a sense of deja vu from U16 here in Udine two years ago. Germany made their first U16 Final on that occasion too, but were heavily beaten 48-64 and had to settle for silver. This smells like unfinished business and the chance for some sweet revenge.

A leading MVP contender in Nyara Sabally

Nyara Sabally will have a big chance to impose herself on this showpiece Final and you would not back against her dropping a double-double. She is a potential MVP winner already and nearing a lock for All-Star Five. Her battle under the basket with the increasingly influential Raquel Carrera could be epic. 

Strength in Depth 

Germany can arguably match-up with Spain in terms of having plenty of depth off the bench and some nice rotations. Their frontcourt is particularly effective and if the 'bigs' shoot well and use their range, Germany could be crowned champions. 

 

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