Key in tune with Sweden

SOPRON (EuroBasket Women 2015) - An early exit at EuroBasket Women 2015 will come as a surprise for most supporters of Sweden given their team's run to the Quarter-Finals two years ago.

Their fate had been decided before taking to the court for their final game against Spain as defeats against the Slovak Republic and Lithuania resulted in elimination.

They squandered a double-digit lead over the Slovak Republic in the tournament opener, rallied to beat Hungary before missing a shot in the final seconds to force overtime against Lithuania as the loss all but sealed their fate.

With nothing to play for, the Swedes produced a spirited performance to give the defending champions Spain a run for their money in their final game. They closed to within just a point in the final few seconds and head coach Lars Johansson praised his players for their response to going out.

"I have to congratulate my team for their professional approach to the game. Unfortunately, we won't be continuing in Hungary, but my team still competed well against one of the favourites for the title."

Ashley Key was at least one real positive for Sweden at EuroBasket Women 2015.

The energy she brought from the bench was infectious and she was a real leader on the defensive end. The small forward does a bit of everything for her team and does a lot of those things very well, more importantly.

Her role in the win over Hungary was huge for her team as she took over in all areas at the start of the fourth quarter, scoring all the points in a pivotal 7-0 run.

It has been a tough week for us. We didn't play well when we needed to. - Key

However, ultimately it was Sweden's failure to produce in the closing stages that proved detrimental to their cause as the big moments went against them, resulting in their 1-3 record.

"We kept fighting in every game and never gave up, so that's a positive but we let the games get away from us at important times."

Sweden were able to naturalise the Atlanta native after she met the residency quota following a spell in the country's top flight with Marbo Basket from 2009-13.

And Key has a strong connection with the national team. She averaged 14 points per game in helping Sweden through last summer's Second Qualification Round and the 30-year-old adds plenty of experience to the team with her all-round skillset at both ends of the floor.

While it is easy for some to criticise the use of naturalised players, Key is completely committed to representing her adopted nation, and does not look out of place when harmoniously reciting the national anthem amongst her team-mates in the pre-game rituals.

"It's my second home," she stated. "I'm a true Swede through and through, and it's always great playing for the national team."

Sweden will need to regroup when the time comes to don the national jersey once again, and ensure that there is no repeat of the lengthy absence without a Final Round appearance that preceded the 2013 tournament.

Go to EuroBasketWomen2015.com for full coverage of EuroBasket Women 2015.

FIBA