Slovenia celebrate maiden FIBA U18 Women's European Championship title

KONYA (Turkey) - Slovenia have made more history after they won their first ever FIBA U18 Women's European Championship crown by beating France 63-61 in a gripping Final in Konya.

On their maiden appearance in the title game, it was MVP Ajsa Sivka who again led by example with a tremendous and difference-making contribution. Sivka caught fire and finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Lea Bartelme - who also made the All-Star Five - top scored with 22 points to go with 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

Marine Dursus hit the backboard on the final buzzer with a half-court shot as France tried in vain to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and she at least can find some solace by also being named to the All-Star Five.

Serbia certainly felt the wrath of Spain in the Third Place game as they bounced back from their one-sided Semi-Final defeat to France with an 80-52 win handing Spain their 17th medal at the event.

Laia Conesa stood out with 12 points, 8 boards and 4 assists, while Ines Sotelo and Marina Mata fired 14 points apiece. It was another big display from Serbia's Marija Avlijas who netted 25 points in reply - earning a spot on the All-Star Five alongside Spain's Iyana Martin.

Elsewhere, Hungary beat hosts Turkey to 5th place with a 57-44 win as Eszter Ratkai finished strongly in amassing 15 points and 8 rebounds. Poland strolled past Latvia 79-56 to take 7th position, with Belgium breezing past Finland 80-54 to cement 9th place.

Germany landed 11th spot after outlasting Israel 79-63 with Marianna Byvatov claiming 16 points and 5 steals. Italy took 13th with a 68-63 win against Czech Republic, who will be playing in Division B next season along with Lithuania. Caterina Piatti did the business with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Finally, Portugal at least signed off on a high as they avoided the last place by taking 15th position with a 54-43 win against Lithuania - thanks to 11 points and 7 rebounds from marquee baller Clara Silva.

Final Standings 

1. Slovenia
2. France
3. Spain 
4. Serbia
5. Hungary
6. Turkey
7. Poland
8. Latvia
9. Belgium 
10. Finland 
11. Germany
12. Israel
13. Italy
14. Czech Republic
15. Portugal
16. Lithuania

Meanwhile, in Division B, Croatia were crowned champions by defeating Luxembourg 93-66 in the Final in Sofia, Bulgaria.

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