Slovenia make first ever Final; dominant France set title showdown

KONYA (Turkey) - Slovenia have secured a maiden FIBA U18 Women's European Championship Final berth and a first ever medal at the event as they joined France in reaching Sunday's title showdown.

It was one-way traffic for Slovenia as they rolled to a famous 89-65 success against Balkan rivals Serbia to turn a new page in their history. Ajsa Sivka showed out with a stunning display to lead her team to the win, while Zoja Stirn came up with the all-important cameo to get the job done. 

Slovenia were devastating from behind the three-point line as they dropped an amazing 15 triples - the most by any team in a game during the entire tournament. Marija Avlijas had 24 points in defeat, with Serbia now ready to battle it out for the third podium step.

In the second Semi-Final, France were always on top in their derby against Spain as they locked their opponents down 82-49 to reach their first Final since 2016. Some seriously hard-nosed defense and dominant work on the glass proved to be the source of their success.

It was a well-paced team effort as they out-rebounded Spain 52-27, with France led by a terrific 21 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists from Nell Angloma. There were also an important display from Marine Dursus with 20 points and 4 assists. 

Meanwhile, Lithuania suffered relegation after losing 56-51 to  Czech Republic. There was also a defeat for Portugal who will finish in the bottom three after going down 45-44 to Italy, though they will not be relegated as they are hosting the Division A competition next summer.

Top Performers

Ajsa Sivka posted her best game of the competition and the best of the tournament by any baller as she racked up a phenomenal performance efficiency valuation of 45. That was due to starring in the victory against Serbia with a superb 30 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists.

Anna Brozova went to work for Czech Republic as they kept their Division A survival hopes alive by beating Lithuania. She was the most pivotal player in the victory with 22 points, 6 assists and 4 steals.

Slovenia didn't only rely on Sivka for their Semi-Final triumph against Serbia, with Zoja Stirn was also in top gear. She provided plenty to cheer with a fine offering of 21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.

Elina Aarnisalo is still on fire for Finland after she accumulated a stellar double-double of 22 points and 16 rebounds, as well as passing the rock three times in an 81-76 win against Israel.

Finally, Nell Angloma moved into the Top Performers list for her role in catapulting France to the title game as she achieved a performance efficiency valuation of 25.

Results of the Day

Semi-Finals

Serbia 65-89 Slovenia
Spain 49-82 France

Classification Games 5-8

Poland 40-74 Hungary
Turkey 65-51 Latvia

Classification Games 9-12

Finland 81-76 Israel
Belgium 61-57 Germany

Classification Games 13-16

Portugal 44-45 Italy 
Czech Republic 56-51 Lithuania 

FIBA