Div B: Germany qualify for final

It was a hectic start to the game with both sides going for an early break. Slovenia was playing at a high pace using the speed of Nika Baric to open a lead at the end of the first period (12-18). Alexandra Maerz managed to get her girls to slow down the pace of the game and with Svenja Brunckhorst marking Nika Baric. Both teams more or less managed its other basket for basket in the second quarter with Slovenia holding a lead of four points going into the interval.

Germany fought their way back into the game and eventually tied the game (39-39). Slovenia then went on the offensive scoring seven straight points. But the highlight was reserved for Sandra Japundza who hit a 3-point buzzer beater from 10 metres into her half of the court.

Germany had no choice but to play at pace and go for their shots and midway through the last quarter Slovenia’s advantage was down to only 1 point. Germany went in front with 3:50 left in the game when Sonia Greinacher completed a nice move team under the basket. On the very next play, Germany moved the ball around the zone and Svenja Bruckhorst released a bomb from 60 ° degrees to put Germany in front and in control for the first time in the match as they went on to a (9 -2) run. Germany leading 67-61 had to survive some action moments as Slovenia tied the game from the 3-point line. 28 seconds left on the clock Germany took their time and once the ball was fed out to Sarah-Marie Frankenberger on the base line she coolly hit from 90° the basket just before the 24-second buzzer went off to put Germany in lead for the final time. Nika Baric was forced to shoot from way down, as the clock wound down but this time there was no miracle.

Germany had 4 players in double digits with Sonja Greinacher leading the scores with 18-points but the match winner was Svenja Brunckhorst with 14 points and 9 assists. Nika Baric finished with 23 points and 6 assists and was supported by Tjasa Gortnar with 22 points.

Boxscore:

Alexandra Maerz (German Head Coach) said: “We are very happy we won that game but I think that both teams had a very good game and both deserved to be in the final but in the end we either had more luck or showed more will and they fought brilliantly and I am proud of the girls.”


Sarah-Marie Frankenberger (Game winning shot) added "It was an exciting game, nerve-racking and a big hit!"


Julia Gaudermann, one of the youngest players in the squad, said: “I am speechless, at the moment, I do not know what to say, it’s unbelievable.”