France win overtime thriller to claim FIBA U16 Women's European Championship crown

MATOSINHOS (Portugal) - France have been crowned champions at the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship 2022 after beating Spain 65-61 in overtime in the Final on Saturday.

Clemence Collin was the top scorer off the bench for France with 15 points, while Nell Angloma finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds as France secured another gold medal at this event after winning in 2017.

The game was closely contested throughout all four quarters with the biggest lead only being eight points. 

Spain's Iyana Carrion was named the tournament MVP and finished with 22 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in defeat with her teammate Awa Thiam also being named to the All-Star Five. There were also places in the All-Star Five for Croatia's Petra Bozan and Lena Bilic, as well as France's Tea Cleante.

Croatia powered their way onto the podium for the first time since 2010 after they downed hosts Portugal 72-58 in the Third-Place game. Lena Bilic paced the victors with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.

After trailing by as many as 11 points in the first quarter, Hungary turned things around and went out on a high note to grab a 5th place finish against Greece, 58-44, while Belgium prevailed over Italy in the 7th place game, 61-46.

Latvia ended on a high note and finished in 9th place after beating Poland 76-51, while Slovenia took down Czech Republic 74-66 to claim 11th place.

Finland avoided relegation by defeating Germany, 51-40, for a 13th place finish, meaning Germany will be the third team relegated to Division B next year. In the battle of the two relegated teams, Lithuania avoided the bottom spot after defeating Denmark 64-49.

Final Standings

1. Spain
2. France
3. Croatia
4. Portugal
5. Hungary
6. Greece
7. Belgium
8. Italy
9. Latvia
10. Poland
11. Slovenia
12. Czech Republic
13. Finland
14. Germany
15. Lithuania
16. Denmark

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