Four tickets taken for U19 World Cup but who wins the #FIBAU18Europe title? Vote now
UDINE (FIBA U18 Women's European Championship 2018) - It's famously unpredictable, but with the Semi-Finals set at the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship 2018, it's time to vote for the title winner.
UDINE (FIBA U18 Women's European Championship 2018) - It is famously the most unpredictable youth competition, but with the Semi-Finals set at the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship 2018, it's time to vote for who will lift the silverware.
Spain knocked out reigning champions Belgium 72-73 in a thrilling Quarter-Finals tie on Thursday to both move into the last four of the competition and stamp a pass to the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball Women's World Cup 2019.
Re-live all the drama from the best game of the tournament (until the next one) between @baloncestofeb and @TheBelgianCats! #FIBAU18Europe pic.twitter.com/oV9AS0mrp8
— FIBA (@FIBA) August 9, 2018
They profited from a super display by Raquel Carrera who scored 19 points - 15 of them coming in a big second-half for Spain. They will play Hungary in the Semi-Finals, who ended a nine year podium run of France with a vibrant 69-61 success.
Latvia eased their way to a second Semi-Finals place in three editions as they won their derby with Russia by 69-62.
When you are GOOD you get the friendly roll right @GulbeAleksa ? #FIBAU18Europe@basketbols
— FIBA (@FIBA) August 9, 2018
📝 https://t.co/9Rn2ZoKkND pic.twitter.com/837R1QV9xH
Aleksa Gulbe went to work with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while frontcourt partner Laura Meldere also harvested a double-double. Lying in wait of Latvia are Germany, who beat Czech Republic in style 72-44 - a result that wrote several notes of history.
The moment.... @DBB_Basketball make history with first ever #FIBAU19 ticket and #FIBAU18Europe Semi-Finals slot. Congratulations...awesome job 🔥🔥💪💪🏀🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/JUuoSLiBdw
— Paul Nilsen (@basketmedia365) August 9, 2018
They qualified for the Semi-Finals at the event for the first time, not only guaranteeing their highest-ever placing, but qualifying for their first-ever FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup. Nyara Sabally showed why she is flying high in the Fans' MVP Vote with 16 points and 14 boards.
The losing teams in Belgium, France, Russia and Czech Republic, will all compete for the last remaining pass to the World Cup on Saturday and Sunday.
Meanwhile, Croatia, Poland, Serbia and hosts Italy all ended their relegation fears by getting the wins they needed to cement their Division A status for next year. That means Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Sweden and Ireland will battle it out at the weekend for the last top-tier spot available for 2019.
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