Czech Republic, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary and Slovakia take last tickets

MUNICH (Germany) - On a gripping last day of the Qualifiers, there was joy for Czech Republic, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary and Slovakia as they all booked a place for this summer's FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023.  

Czech Republic were crowned winners of Group I as they blasted their way to the Final Round with a convincing 69-49 triumph against closest rivals Netherlands. A 21-7 second quarter was decisive, as was every single player on the roster making at least one basket and Renata Brezinova making the noise with 19 points. 

Great Britain opened up their account with two Group G losses, but signed off with two wins as they followed up a huge victory against Estonia with a fine 78-48 one against Portugal. That meant they progressed and there were celebrations in Manchester as a result. thanks mainly to 17 points and 9 rebounds from Temi Fagbenle, plus 12 points and 11 assists from Holly Winterburn. 

Hungary had to make sure there were no slip ups in their Group C game against Romania and they did the job to seal the deal and book their place after riding out  74-58 winners.  Even if they didn't have it all their own way, they found a higher gear in the final period and were helped hugely by 19 points and 14 rebounds from Cyesha Goree.

Slovakia were in a similar scenario when they went up against Luxembourg in Group H. They also emerged unscathed and grabbed their berth by sailing to a114-59 triumph that was built around some exceptional work from Miroslava Mistinova. The guard propelled her country with a superb shooting effort that saw her drop 25 points - only missing two shots all night.

The last available ticket went to Germany who got the winning margin they needed against Bosnia and Herzegovina. A 92-61 victory handed them a first place at the Final Round in 12 years. Leonie Fiebich came up with a typically dominant display, showing her quality as she did in the first game against her opponents, this time registering 30 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

Outside of the games where nations progressed to this summer's flagship event, were two major historical highs set when Sweden met Latvia in Group J. Despite having already seen their chances of advancing evaporate, a record crowd of 9,425 were in attendance for the contest.

A record crowd of 9,425 watched Sweden face Latvia

But the huge number of home spectators had to watch on as group winners Latvia tallied a new record of their own. Anete Steinberga amassed a majestic 37 points in a 71-65 victory and that is the highest ever individual score for the women's national team.

Elsewhere, North Macedonia couldn't keep pace with Belgium as the Group A winners coasted to a 102-43 victory. The Cats were led by 17 points and 14 boards from Emma Meesseman

Finland were undone 82-46 by France, who signed off with a victory to finish 5-1 in Group B. Gabby Williams impressed with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals.

Ukraine and Lithuania both headed into their Group B clash with hopes of advancing and it was the former who took a 71-65 success. However, it was not to prove enough to progress. Alina Iagupova and Olga Maznichenko posted 21 and 16 points respectively, while Ginatre Petronyte racked up 20 points and 14 boards in defeat.

In Group C, it was a one-way street for Spain against Iceland as they finished 6-0 by taking an 88-34 victory. Paula Ginzo starred with 13 points, while Maria Araujo had a double-double of 10 points and 11 boards.

Poland are the nation that might feel the most heartache after they followed up a fantastic Group D home win against Turkey by beating Slovenia 65-58 on the road. A brilliant 14 points and 14 rebounds by Weronika Telenga was the standout contribution, but after an agonizing wait, they ended up just missing out on a precious ticket. 

Also in Group D, Albania finished their campaign winless after going down 98-48 to Turkey as Teaira McCowan weighed in with 19 points after going 9 of 10 from the field.

Title holders Serbia completed an unbeaten campaign after getting a win in Bulgaria

Bulgaria were swept aside 102-76 by Serbia in Group E as Yvonne Anderson showed her quality with a superb display. The playmaker finished with 29 points and 10 assists to ensure her side finished a flawless campaign. 

Estonia almost caused their second major upset of these Qualifiers after only losing out 67-65 to Greece in Group G. Annika Koster was on fire for the hosts with 11 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. Evdokia Stamati top-scored for Greece with 17 points.

Finally, Denmark outlasted previously unbeaten Montenegro 84-81 in an overtime triumph as Anna Seilund dropped 31 points, while Group H winners Italy eventually got past Switzerlnad 79-63 with Cecilia Zandalasini excelling with 10 points, 9 assists and 7 boards.

FIBA