France and Turkey opened the action on the final day of the 2019 Women’s European Championship in the 5^th/6^th placing game, in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

In a physical contest, France took early command of the game opening a 12-6 lead by the end of the first.

However, the Turkish team, who had grown and developed throughout the tournament, came back fighting and every time France threatened to go on a streak they answered back, to keep the score to within eight at half-time, 26-18 to France, with Mine Ercan dominant again for Turkey.

The third quarter belonged to Turkey, 15-12, but it was France’s Marianne Buso whom ensured her team kept a slim lead going into the final ten minutes.

As the boisterous Turkish fans roared their team on, Turkey moved back to be within two points of their opponents. Their defence proved to be the issue though, as France got out of Turkey’s press too easily giving away lay-up opportunities, which meant France could keep their noses in front, and eventually finish with a ten-point win, 56-46.

Turkey’s Mine Ercan in action against France at the 2019 Women’s European Championship. Photo credit – Eike Michler.

Mine Ercan had her game of the tournament, topscoring with an impressive double double of 25 points and 10 rebounds, and for France Marianne Buso top scored with 18 points. Full Statistics.

Despite the win both teams will be relegated to the European Championship for Women Division B next year.

More information about the 2019 Women’s European Championship please visit the websites below:

http://www.competitions.iwbf-europe.org/index.php/ecwa-home-menu or http://basketballexperience.nl/ek2019/

Photo credit – Steffie Wunderl / Eike Michler