Slovenia celebrate Division B silverware in Craiova to earn promotion

CRAIOVA (Romania) - Slovenia have been crowned FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2023, Division B winners and will play in the top flight next summer after easing past Germany 57-47 in Sunday's Final.

They added to their 2016 title success after completing a fourth quarter lockdown of their opponents which saw them hold Germany to just one basket in a decisive 17-2 last quarter.

Dominant on the glass and turning the screw on defense in the final 10 minutes, Slovenia were powered by some great play by Anja Dragar. She had 15 points, 7 rebounds and 3 huge blocks, which further underlined where the game was won. Hana Sambolic was also important with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. 

The loss was tough on Germany star Frieda Buhner - who was named MVP of the competition - having garnered a near double-double of 9 points and 12 rebounds in the title game. 

Meanwhile, Netherlands won the Third Place Game with ease as they moved past Switzerland 68-51 to add to the gold medal they won at the event back in 2009.

The result denied Switzerland a slice of history since they were chasing a maiden podium spot, but they were always on the back foot. Netherlands were led by 13 points and a huge 17 rebounds from Lotte van Kruistum, while Iris Vennema added 15 points and Viktoria Ranisavljevic replied with 16 points for the Swiss.

Elsewhere, on the last day of the competition, host nation Romania claimed 5th place by beating Iceland 69-59, with the victory founded on an all-action 11 points, 8 rebounds, 6 steals and 5 assists from Paloma Cucu.

Norway eased out Ireland 83-78 in the battle for 7th place, helped by 17 points. 6 assists and 5 rebounds from Aurore Sorbye, while Slovakia outlasted Great Britain 68-59 for 11th spot with Alexandra Erdelyiova netting 19 points.

Greece and Croatia engaged in a shootout for 9th place and it was the latter that eventually got it done 81-77 despite Eleni Bosgana dropping 29 points for Greece as the victors had five players all in double-digits.

Bulgaria sealed 13th as they rode past Ukraine 70-64 thanks mainly to 19 points from Ivana Boneva, while  23 points and 9 boards from Erin Foxhall helped Austria avoid bottom spot as they took 15th with a 61-55 success against Georgia.

Final Standings 

1. Slovenia 
2. Germany 
3. Netherlands 
4. Switzerland
5. Romania 
6. Iceland 
7. Norway
8. Ireland
9. Croatia
10. Greece  
11. Slovakia 
12. Great Britain 
13. Bulgaria
14. Ukraine
15. Austria
16. Georgia

FIBA