Semi-Finals for Spain, France, Slovenia and Serbia; two huge derby showdowns set
KONYA (Turkey) - Two mouth-watering FIBA U18 Women's European Championship Semi-Finals await after Spain, France, Slovenia and Serbia were all victorious in Thursday's Quarter-Finals.
Stay up to date with the tournament and check out the latest results and tournament bracket for all the information you need.
Spain ended the podium dreams of Turkey with a 78-64 win but the hosts fought hard. Elif Istanbulluoglu did her best for the local favorites with 12 points and 15 boards, but Spain were too good, with Iyana Martin against showing her class with a big performance.
France are the team that will face neighbors Spain in what will be a super Semi-Final matchup. Certainly something will have to give as both nations remain unbeaten heading into the last weekend. France eased out Latvia 81-36 with Nell Angloma standing out after harvesting 21 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
In the other Semi-Final, there will be a Balkan derby game as Slovenia face Serbia. The former are still perfect after a super 76-60 success against Hungary which was founded on a brilliant 20-7 opening period, some smart downtown shooting and Ajsa Sikva showing her class again.
Serbia were also lighting it up from long-range in their Quarter-Finals triumph against Poland. Katarina Knezevic was the big danger with four triples as her team rode their way to the last four off the back of a 75-65 win.
Top Performers
Elina Aarnisalo continued her rich vein of form as she amassed a huge performance efficiency valuation of 32 to co-lead the Day 5 best performers. The guard provided the main thrust of Finland's 89-77 Classification 9-16 victory against Portugal with 33 points and 8 assists.
Annika Soltau was again in top gear for Germany and she inspired a dramatic 73-72 win against Lithuania. She also registered a performance efficiency valuation of 32 after producing a stellar 24 points, 13 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks.
Meanwhile, Clara Silva did her best to help Portugal overcome Finland but even a majestic double-double of 20 points and 21 boards was enough.
Iyana Martin went to some serious work as usual for Spain in their win against Turkey by coming up with a sparkling 24 points, 7 assists, 5 steals and 5 rebounds.
Serbia's Katarina Knezevic was certainly the go-to baller in their Quarter-Finals success against Poland. She amassed 25 points and held the hot-hand after sinking 4 of 5 attempts from long-range, whilst adding 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
Results of the Day
Quarter-Finals
Hungary 60-76 Slovenia
Poland 65-75 Serbia
Turkey 64-78 Spain
France 81-36 Latvia
Classification Games 9-16
Italy 62-65 Israel
Portugal 77-89 Finland
Belgium 66-43 Czech Republic
Lithuania 72-73 Germany
FIBA