Six ballers ready to get it done in fight for last Final Round tickets

MUNICH (Germany) - With just 11 tickets left to grab, it's time for leading ballers to step up and take their respective nations to the Final Round, but who are the difference-makers ready to shine?

Here's six players who carry a big chunk of their team's hopes heading into this last window of the Qualifiers.

Mariella Fasoula - Greece

As Greece contemplate getting the win they need to finish the job and move to 5-0, there is no doubt that much of the weight will continue to be carried on the shoulders of their star center. Fasoula has been terrific throughout and that mirrors the fine work at club level in EuroLeague Women with Perfumerias Avenida. Strong, efficient and an anchor in the paint at both ends of the floor, her role as a centerpeice of this team remains precious. With Portugal on the road a tricky prospect, it could be Fasoula who gets them through it.

Kamile Nacickaite - Lithuania

It is shaping up to be a thrilling finish in Group B, with Lithuania racing against France and Ukraine in pursuit of a precious Final Round slot. Their two wins in the previous window have boosted their chances and now it's do-or-die with games ahead against their two main rivals. The last time Lithuania appeared at the showpiece event was seven years ago and their now veteran guard was a key piece back then. She still is today as the leading scorer for the team with more than 17 points per game. If Nacickaite shoots the ball well and continues in this form, they could be back at the big show this summer for the first time since 2015.

Alina Iagupova - Ukraine

A lot of water has passed under the bridge for Ukraine since their spectacular win against France on the opening day of the Qualifiers back in 2021. The last window was a huge let down, with two losses rocking them onto the backfoot and damaging their prospects of qualifying. But with the Fenerbahce Alagoz Holding standout in their lineup, anything is possible. Iagupova has a history of putting the team on her back and torching opponents almost single-handedly. It would be no surprise if she pulled out a majestic do-it-all show to help them sneak through.

Marine Johannes - France

We all know what Johannes can do. We have seen it many times over and this window will see the guard looking to maintain some impressive club form at LDLC ASVEL Feminin and also carry on the good work from the second qualifying window. Having missed the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Sydney, Johannes is making up for lost time and will want to get to this next major FIBA tournament. There is a feeling that she is back playing some of the best and smartest basketball of her career, not only dishing up assists and buckets that catch the eye, but a maturity that will benefit France enormously when they face Lithuania in what will be one of the biggest games of the last window.

Leonie Fiebich - Germany

It's more than a decade since Germany last featured and if their 12-year absence is to end, then the versatile Fiebich will probably be the central reason for that happening.  Dealt a blow by the decision of EuroLeague Women star Satou Sabally announcing she won't be playing, up steps up another superb talent in the shape of Fiebich. A scorer, creator, nice rebounder and emerging leader, her efforts in the second window have transformed her nation's chances. Belgium and Bosnia and Herzegovina await and two big displays from her could be the key.

Teaira McCowan - Turkey

Turkey are already knocking on the door of the Qualifiers and while at 4-0 they look near certainties to progress, the presence of McCowan is a huge and reassuring factor. Brought in for the last qualifying window in the naturalized spot, the center made a massive and instant impact with a stellar debut across both games against Albania and Slovenia when she harvested an average of 27 points and 13 rebounds. McCowan is such a tough defensive assignment and matchup that she will more than likely be a nightmare to guard for Poland in what will be a decisive game.

FIBA