Drama as Hungary lose a 22-point lead to Spain and see Olympic dreams end

SOPRON (Hungary) - There were tears on the buzzer as hosts Hungary went down 73-72 to Spain at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Sopron to miss out on Paris 2024.

 

 

The home side had looked set to end a 44-year wait to get back to the Olympic Games after holding a massive lead, but Spain came roaring back and the drought will now continue for Hungary. 

The victory meant scenes of jubilation for Canada who thought they would not be going to France, but their Spanish head coach Victor Lapena and his players will be in Paris 2024 after all. This win for Spain sent them through.

Turning Point: The game was flipped on its head by a 17-0 run by Spain in the second half which got them back into the contest heading into crunch time. Before that, Hungary had been coasting towards the French capital.

TCL Player of the Game: Maria Conde came up with her best game in Spanish vest for a while after sinking a perfect 16 points from the open floor.

Stats Don't Lie: Spain punished Hungary by netting 22 points from turnovers, helped by an impressive 16 steals.

Bottom Line: Spain were already confirmed as Paris 2024 bound when they took to the court and maybe that had an impact on their first half as they were not at their best. But they showed their quality after the break to post an epic comeback win.

Hungary had dreams and now they are dust. You can not ask for any more than beating Japan and getting 22 ahead against the second best team in Europe. But they watched their great work evaporate spectacularly as possibly nerves and inexperience on all fronts cost them dearly. They will have a tough time getting over this one. 

They Said: "What a moment. We were heere some days ago with a different feeling but believing. Right now I am very happy and I think we are so proud of the team. Because I think success is sometimes to stand up again after you have fallen. This team did that." Spain star, Alba Torrens

"It was hard to play three games against three very good teams. I am very happy for my team and for my players and for my Federation and for women's basketball in Spain. I am happy in general but so sorry for the Hungary team. It is really, really hard for them." Spain head coach, Miguel Mendez

"It's really hard to find the words after this game because it was in our hands and as wr were up by 22 points and we lost by 1. It hurts a lot and I feel so disappointed. We put our heart on the court and I have a feeling we did everything. But we lost and could not qualify." Hungary forward, Virag Kiss

"It's very hard to say something. In the first half we played excellent and in the second we were under the floor. It was heartbreaking.This is the sport. At the end of the day we are not in the Olympic Games and that was our dream."
Hungary head coach,Norbert Szekely

FIBA