Div B: The hosts Italy qualify for the final

Italy wrestled the match away from Israel for good in the 37th minute with a trey from Giulia Pasqualin (72-55) that knocked out the gallant Israeli team as Italy finished with a flourish 8-2 to win the match and qualify for the final 80-59.

Israel, more aggressive in the opening period, took advantage of the Italians poor execution in the finish to open up a 10-point lead (13-3) after scoring 8 unanswered points. Bea Galinski once again proved to be decisive with 6 points and 6 rebounds in the first period.

In an action-packed 2nd period the lead changed and the time was tied on three occasions. Italy’s revolt started with Giulia Brotto’s reverse-spin lay-up followed by a jump shot as part of a 12-0 run that put Italy in front for the first time in the match.

The rest of the period was end to end stuff punctuated by a 3-point-shooting contest as the game sea-sawed with Italy going into the interval with a 1-point lead.

A 5-0 start by Italy at the beginning of the 3rd period, after 51 seconds, made Ronny Kahn call a timeout. The game went through a messy period with Italy holding on to the advantage. Simultaneously both sides picked up their game and the spectators were treated to another 3-point contest with Italy emerging at the end leading (49-42).

Trailing by 7 points going into the final period, Israel attempted one last assault on the Italian team by running at speed at the Italian defence. Nevertheless the Italians always managed to maintain their advantage and pulled away for good at the 37th minute with the Israelis finally exhausted.

Italy only turned the ball over 12 times while Israel managed 24 but Italy 12 offensive rebound was the major difference between the teams.

Five Italian players finished in double digits with Elena Bestagno leading the scoring with 15 points. Bar Galinski scored 20 points for Israel and was supported by Shira Ben Barak with 17 points.

After match comments:

Ronny Kahn (Israel) “I do not have much to say about my girls, they did well and I am proud of them. I wish Germany and Italy all the best for next year campaign in Division A” commented after the match.

Marco Rota (Italy Head Coach) “ we have been working for one year for this result, we were not allowed to miss this game, this was the most important game of the season and we were able to play the right game and we are happy for this. Now that Italy is back in the first division we are all satisfied about this”

Maria Cristina Curcio (Italy team manager) added “I am very happy because we have had some problems in this age group and now every has worked out and is a success for all the girls”