Gold for Women’s Netherlands
Day 9 – ECMWA 2025
NED 66-59 GBR (W final)
The Netherlands were made to work unlike ever before, but showed incredible grit to overcome Great Britain 66-59 to claim their fifth straight IWBF Women’s European Championship.
Trailing for the majority of the second half, the Dutch had their backs against the wall against a stubborn GB side led by Lucy Robinson, who, along with Joy Haizelden, formed a formidable duo to put the Brits ahead by as many as five points in the fourth.
But the determined Dutch side, led by Bo Kramer’s double-double of 26 points and 10 rebounds, with eight assists showed tremendous character to pull through in the final stages to snatch the lead and hang on in the final two minutes.
Robinson had 22 points on 61 percent shooting for GB.
“We’re not only a good basketball team, but we also showed that we are mentally strong and can fight together for the full 40 minutes when the game is on the line” – Carina de Rooij (NED)
“I’m so proud of the fight our team showed in the final — taking the reigning champions right down to the last minute is something to be proud of. We showcased some incredible basketball throughout the tournament, proving just how far we’ve come. It’s an exciting time for our team, and I can’t wait to keep building and dominating into next year.” – Laurie Williams (GBR)
GBR 73-49 GER (M semi-final)
A dominant 73-49 win for Great Britain sets up a European Final rematch with Spain, 2 years on from Rotterdam.
GB went up by 5 at the end of the first and continued from there, with no sign of a comeback from the Germans.
Lee Manning had a double-double of 12pts, 10rebs with Gregg Warburton almost following suit with 10pts 9asts.
For Germany, captain Tommy Böhme done most of the heavy lifting with 16pts, 7rebs, 4asts.
GB and Spain clash again in the Final. Germany will battle Italy for bronze.
“Really great performance from the boys, Germany have had a great summer and are a really strong opponent so to execute as we did is a great achievement. Excited for another battle with Spain tomorrow!” – Simon Brown (GBR)
FRA 68-71 TUR (M 5-8 place game)
Türkiye left it late to beat France, and will battle for the last automatic spot for the IWBF World Championships next summer.
Game-sealing free throws from Uğur Toprak secured a 71-68 victory for the Turkish side, banishing the French to the Repechage next April.
Toprak led the winners with 20 points and eight assists in a solid display, with Mucahit Günaydin adding a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Christophe Carlier led France with 22.
ESP 84-50 ITA (M semi-final)
Spain booked their place into the IWBF European Championship final on Saturday evening with a dominant 84-50 win over Italy in their last four battle.
In what promised to be an explosive semi-final, it turned out to be one-way traffic in reality, as Spain led from the opening tip to the final buzzer, with their lead peaking at 38 points.
The Spanish shot 63 percent from the floor, and for significant periods, held their Italian counterparts to below 40 percent until the final four minutes, when Italy managed to get some shots to fall, but by then, it was too late.
Ignacio Ortega was superb, posting 21 points and nine rebounds to lead Spain, as was Manuel Lorenzo, who added 20. Filippo Carossino had 11 to lead Italy, who will fight for the bronze.
“We have looked very strong against a great team and now we are not satisfied with just reaching the final because we want the gold medal” – Manuel Lorenzo (ESP)
“The beauty of these tournaments is that there’s no time to dwell too much on defeats. We have an important match ahead of us tomorrow. Today we weren’t able to stick to our game plan from the start. Now let’s refocus and focus on tomorrow’s final.” – Enrico Ghione (ITA)
POL 81-73 NED (M 5-8 place game)
Poland fought back from an early first-quarter deficit to overcome the Netherlands 81-73 and keep their hopes to qualify for next summer’s IWBF World Championships alive.
Trailing 14-10 and struggling to find their offensive groove early on, Poland sprang into life, outscoring the Dutch 19-10 in the following period, and from there always looked in control.
Mateusz Filipski bagged another triple-double in the tournament, going for 30 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists in another majestic display as they will battle for fifth on the final day, which would seal their passage to Canada next year.
Arie Twigt had 22 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists for the Netherlands.
“A very good game by the all team. We recovered from yesterday’s narrow defeat. I’m proud of the entire team. Tomorrow we’re fighting for direct qualification to the World Cup.” – Mateusz Filipski (POL)
“It’s a tough loss. Poland are a crafty and experienced team. We fought hard until the very end but it just wasn’t enough.” – Robin Poggenwisch (NED)
ESP 66-55 GER (W 3-5 place game)
With top place in the round robin group stage for 3rd to 5th placing and a bronze medal on the line, Spain came out firing taking a 6-0 lead behind 4 quick points from Beatriz Zudaire before Roli-Ann Neubauer got Germany on the scoreboard. Spain stretched their lead up to 10 at the half as they shot 50% from the field.
Germany opened the third with an 8-0 run to cut the lead but Spain answered back and held the lead into the final period where they put up 24 points and put the game out of reach, winning their third consecutive bronze medal.
Isabel Lopez put up 25 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists for Spain as Zudaire added 20 points, 12 assists and 7 rebounds.
Svenja Mayer led Germany with 20 points and Neubauer added a near double double of 9 points and 9 rebounds.
“I can’t describe what I feel. Our team defended in a very good level and we finded out a lot of good positions to score. Another dream came true” – Isabel López (ESP)
ISR 61-62 AUT (M 9-12 place game)
Austria keep their Division A hopes alive with a 62-61 win v Israel.
An impressive 16-5 second quarter, gave the Austrians an 8-point lead at the half. They weathered the storm of an Israeli comeback in the second half. A lay up from Philipp Hochenburger sealed the win for Austria in the final seconds of the 4th.
They will play Switzerland tomorrow in the 9th/10th place playoff game as both teams stay in Division A.
Israel will be relegated to Division B alongside hosts Bosnia & Herzegovina, who they play tomorrow in the 11th/12th place playoff.
“That was pure emotion – we fought until the very last second and finally rewarded ourselves for all the hard work. This win means a lot to us because it proves we can compete at this level. I’m incredibly proud of the whole team.” – Christoph Edler (AUT)
BIH 58-66 SUI (M 9-12 place game)
Switzerland clinched its first win at the IWBF European Championships and kept its Division A status with a 66-58 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Leading by as many as 13 in the game, the Swiss saw their lead evaporate in the opening possessions in the fourth through a lay-up from Strahinja Rosuljas. But, they kept their composure with Janic Binda, the star, as they bagged their first win of the European Championships at the best possible moment.
Binda would lead Switzerland with 20 points, six assists and five rebounds. Nermin Hujic had a 22-point, 13-rebound double-double for the Bosnians who drop back into Division B with their loss.
“We had to stay mentally strong when they tied the game. Our leaders made some clutch shots at the end. We are happy to stay in the A-Division.” – Nicolas Hausammann (SUI)
wrap ups: Caroline Bullock, John Hobbs, Dylan Cummings
photo: Steffie Wunderl
