Slovenia and Germany to battle for Division B title in Craiova

CRAIOVA (Romania) - It will be a winner-takes-all contest in the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2023, Division B Final as Slovenia and Germany chase the silverware and promotion to the top tier.

Both teams will face each other having successfully navigated Saturday's Semi-Finals, with Slovenia particularly impressive as they raced past Switzerland. Out of sight within 10 minutes after amassing a 26-6 opening quarter lead, there was no stopping Slovenia who rode out 91-53 winners.  

An inspired Hana Sambolic poured in 25 points. There were also important cameos from Hana Ivanusa with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, while Zala Srot had 9 points and 9 rebounds. 

Slovenia, who previously won the title in 2016 will now face 2015 winners Germany after they held off a late surge from Netherlands to collect an 81-73 success. Leading from tip to buzzer, they were put under pressure in the closing stages but held firm to get the win.

It was an excellent team victory for Germany, with an array of impressive performances, led by Paula Wenemoser who did it at both ends with 10 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks. Frieda Buhner and Nicole-Brochlitz dropped 18 and 21 points respectively. Lotte van Kruistum replied with a game-high 23 points in defeat.

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

FIBA