In the first menโ€™s semi-final of the 2021 European Championships, Germanyโ€™s 6-0 winning streak came to an end at the hands of the Netherlands, 65-58, following an impressive comeback in the final quarter. Despite missing key player Thomas Bohme, the Germans, led by Alex Halouski, went in to half-time three points up, 34-31. After a big third quarter, Germany took a twelve-point advantage in to the last period, and with five minutes to go they still led by ten points. The Netherlands though kept Germany scoreless for the rest of the game as they went on a 15-0 run to finish well and win the fourth quarter 25-6 and book their place in the final. Halouski had 30 points and 11 rebounds for Germany, whilst the Netherlandsโ€™ Mendel Op Den Orth hit 27 points.

Great Britain vs Italy in the 2021 European Championships. Photo Credit: Steffie Wunderl

Great Britain proved why they are reigning European and World Champions in the second menโ€™s semi-final of the day beating Italy 65-43 to secure their place in the final. They won the first quarter 16-8, but a 7-0 run from Italy at the start of the second brought them back in to the game, before GB steadied themselves and opened the lead back up to eight points by half-time, 33-25. In the second half GB stepped up another gear and went on their own 7-0 run at the start of the third. The Italian offence had no answer, losing the third 10-15 and the fourth 8-17, as GB ran out clear winners. Great Britainโ€™s Lee Manning had an impressive double-double of 22 points and 18 rebounds. Giulio Papi led the scoring for Italy with 13 points.

Great Britain will now defend their title against the Netherlands on Sunday 12 December at 18:00 (CET).

SUNDAY 12 DECEMBER 2021 SCHEDULE

11:00 โ€“ย Womenโ€™s Final:ย Netherlands vs Great Britain
12:30 โ€“ย Womenโ€™s Bronze:ย Germany vs Spain
16:00 โ€“ย Menโ€™s Bronze:ย Germany vs Italy
18:30 โ€“ย Menโ€™s Final:ย Netherlands vs Great Britain

(All times are local โ€“ CET)

Visit theย 2021 European Championships Event Pageย for Live Stream, Statistics and Results.

Photo Credit: Steffie Wunderl.