Spain lock down Czech Republic to win ninth FIBA U20 Women's European Championship

SOPRON (Hungary) - Spain claimed a 47-42 win against Czech Republic in the Final of FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2022 to secure a ninth crown and their fifth title in the last six editions of the competition.

Holding their opponents to just 14 first-half points, Spain's defensive prowess proved the difference-maker during the title game in Sopron. Czech Republic came back to make it a one-shot game and a nervy finale for Spain, but the Iberian side held their nerve thanks to a big play by Mama Dembele who sunk the decisive layup in the closing seconds.

It was a case of double celebration for Claudia Contell as she was also crowned tournament MVP. The Spanish guard was joined in the All-Star Five by her teammate Noa Maria Djiu. Meanwhile Czech Republic's Valentyna Kadlecova gained honors too, with Reka Dombai receiving recognition for her efforts with host nation Hungary. Ilaria Panzera added to her bronze medal with Italy to complete the All-Star Five lineup.

Panzera was at the heart of the 2019 winners returning to the podium with a stylish 64-48 success against France in the Third-Place game. A huge second quarter put Italy on the road to victory,  despite 22 points and 12 rebounds from French forward Aminata Gueye.  That's because Panzera was again sensational, firing 27 points and snapping up 5 steals.

Hungary managed a top-five finish as they breezed past Portugal 75-50. Eszter Madar was the pick with 14 points, plus 9 rebounds. Poland took 7th place over Serbia, winning 70-57 thanks mainly to 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists from Alicja Rogozinska. Finland came in 9th as they outlasted Latvia 70-64 thanks to after 13 points and 10 rebounds from Henna Sandvik.

Matilda Ekh racked up 17 points to carry Sweden to a 71-44 win against Lithuania and 11th place. Belgium took 13th after beating Netherlands 67-58, with Tesse Kapenga registering 17 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Meanwhile Bulgaria and Ireland will play in Division B next year after both being relegated. The former avoided last spot with a 70-53 win as Zlatka Madankova claimed 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Final Standings

1. Spain
2. Czech Republic
3. Italy
4. France
5. Hungary
6. Portugal
7. Poland
8. Serbia
9. Finland
10. Latvia
11. Sweden
12. Lithuania
13. Belgium
14. Netherlands
15. Bulgaria
16. Ireland

FIBA