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The semi-finals of the 2023 IWBF Women's U25 World Championship saw Great Britain face off against Spain and the United States taking on China in Bangkok, Thailand.
Semi-final 1: Great Britain vs. Spain
In a highly anticipated showdown, Great Britain delivered a thrilling performance, securing a 54-41 victory over Spain in a rollercoaster of emotions. The game was a fiercely contested battle, with both teams leaving it all on the court in pursuit of a coveted spot in the championship final.
Spain, the surprise team of the championships, started the game strong, taking an early lead. However, Great Britain mounted a determined comeback and finished the first quarter with a slender 2-point advantage. They continued their impressive play in the second quarter, outscoring Spain by 3 points, which gave them a crucial 5-point lead heading into halftime.
The third quarter saw both teams battling fiercely, resulting in a tie at the end of the period. The true turning point of the match occurred in the fourth quarter, as Great Britain found their rhythm and drew upon their bench's depth. They dominated the final quarter, outscoring Spain 22-14, sealing their place in the championship final with a 13-point victory.
Great Britain's dynamic duo, Katie Morrow, and Lucy Robinson, were the driving force behind their victory. Morrow contributed 24 points and secured 7 rebounds, while Robinson added 20 points and an impressive 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Spain's Beatriz Zuadaire delivered a standout performance, leading all players with a game-high 29 points.
For those who want to dive into the detailed statistics of this match, you can find them here.
Semi-final 2: USA vs. China
In the other half of the bracket, the United States squared off against China in a highly anticipated matchup, and the USA emerged victorious with an imposing final score of 61-19. The American team showcased their basketball dominance on both ends of the court.
The standout feature of the American performance was their exceptional defense, which left the Chinese offense struggling to find openings and limited their scoring opportunities. The Chinese shooting percentage was kept to a mere 14%, with the USA offering only difficult shot attempts for their opponents.
On the offensive front, the United States demonstrated their prowess by maintaining control of the game from start to finish, winning all four quarters in convincing fashion: 12-4, 19-3, 16-7, and 14-5.
Leading the charge for the United States was Bailey Moody, who was the game's top scorer with an impressive 19 points. She was closely followed by her teammates Ixhelt Gonzalez and Josie Dehart, who contributed 16 and 10 points, respectively.
For those eager to explore the comprehensive statistics of this matchup, they are available here.
With these two thrilling semi-final encounters in the books, Great Britain and the United States have earned their spots in the championship final, where they will battle for U25 World Championship glory. The stage is set for a sensational showdown, and basketball fans from around the world eagerly await the grand finale.
5-8 Crossover Games
In a thrilling crossover match, Canada exacted revenge by securing a resounding victory over Thailand, closing the game with a final score of 54-35. Meanwhile, Germany, determined to bounce back after a challenging quarter-final exit, displayed their resilience and strength by triumphing over Japan with a commanding score of 56-21. Their impressive win earns them a well-deserved spot in the 5-6 placing, promising an intense clash against Canada in the next stage of the competition.
Final Day Match Schedule
Day 6 - Monday 9 October
10:00 – 7-8 Place Game: Japan vs Thailand
10:00 – 5-6 Place Game: Germany vs Canada
12:15 – Bronze Medal: China vs Spain
14:30 – Gold Medal: USA vs Great Britain
Stay tuned for more action from the U25 World Championship! Fans from around the world can follow the action via the live stream and live stats.
Photo Credit: SA Images /IWBF
