LA PALMA (Spain) – Finland and Spain will battle it out to lift the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket trophy after winning their respective Semi-Finals on Saturday.
For Finland, a first-ever medal awaits as they appear in their maiden Final, but for Spain, a chance to win a fifth trophy and on home soil.
Meet the trailblazers from Finland
Finnish but not finished: History-makers from the north chase new heights
Elsewhere, there was heartbreak for Israel and Portugal, as they were relegated to Division B. Israel lost 66-57 to Türkiye, while Portugal fell short against Greece, with the latter winning 65-61 in Classification Games 13-16. Türkiye and Greece play tomorrow, and the loser becomes the third team relegated.
You can stay up to date with the tournament and check out the latest results, tournament bracket, and competition system for all the information you need
Key Storylines
-
Spain end France’s reign; aim for fifth title;
-
Historic first Final for jubilant Finland;
-
Israel and Portugal first two teams relegated to Division B.
Semi-Finals
Spain led from the opening tip to the final buzzer to beat France in a gripping Semi-Final 71-65 in a game that had drama, emotion and heartbreak all rolled into one.
In a rematch of last year’s Final, Spain exacted a measure of revenge for their loss in 2024, but despite leading throughout, France made life hard, leaving the home crowd in La Palma biting their fingernails. But the Spanish side came through, led by 15 points and 9 assists from point guard supremo Gina Garcia, in what was arguably her game of the tournament, when the hosts needed it the most.
France’s reign as champions comes to an unfortunate end, but they still have hopes of reaching the podium with a Third Place against Belgium on the horizon. Emma Broliron paced France with 15 points and 5 assists.
Finland kept their fairy tale story going to the last chapter as they ousted previously unbeaten Belgium 77-69 to reach the Final. It remains to be seen if their story has a happy ending, but for now, not only have Finland secured their best-ever finish to a FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket, but they will get their first medal at this age group.
Finland celebrate a first-ever Final at U18 level with win over Belgium
And it was a team effort, littered with individual standouts. However, Ada Luukkanen stood tallest with 17 points on 3-for-4 shooting from three-point land to lead the way. Eevi Seppa also drained three triples to add 14. Jada Lynch and Annie Kibedi led Belgium with 14 points each.
Top Performers
Slovenia will fight for the 11th spot on the final day of action. Tjasa Turnsek was firing on all cylinders individually, scoring an efficiency rating of 28, with 26 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists, but she couldn’t prevent Slovenia from an agonizing 72-70 loss to Hungary.
Maya Zilbershlag‘s 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists earned her a rating of 27, but couldn’t prevent Israel from relegation to Division B next year, losing 66-57 to Türkiye.
Serbia’s 74-72 loss to Italy dropped them out of the running for a top-five finish at FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket. Jovana Popovic was phenomenal with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in a sublime all-around display, but it was not enough.
While Belgium still has hopes to finish the tournament on the podium, it won’t be as winners, after the narrow 77-69 loss to Finland in the Semi-Finals. Laura Vilcinskas’ perfect 5-for-5 from the field for 11 points and 12 rebounds was a solid showing, but in vain.
Finally, it was joy for Spain, as the hosts reached the Final after beating France 71-65. Point guard Gina Garcia enjoyed her best game of the tournament as she was one assist shy of a double-double, but stood out with 15 points, 9 assists and five steals, enough for a rating of 22.
Results of the Day
Semi-Finals
Finland 77-69 Belgium
France 65-71 Spain
Classification 5-8
Montenegro 54-68 Poland
Italy 74-72 Serbia
Classification 9-12
Hungary 72-70 Slovenia
Czechia 35-59 Latvia
Classification 13-16
Türkiye 66-57 Israel
Portugal 61-65 Greece
Final
Finland vs Spain
FIBA