ALYTUS (Lithuania) — In a parallel storyline to the main event in La Palma, the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2025 Division B produced its own drama, with Sweden completing a remarkable comeback to claim the title with a 77-69 victory over Germany.
Sweden's Comeback Kings
Down by 13 points heading into the fourth quarter, Sweden launched an incredible 11-0 run to seize the momentum and never relinquished it. Shiloh Kalenga was the star of the show, pouring in a game-high 29 points with 7 rebounds in a performance that will live long in Swedish basketball memory.
Leila Bajagilovic added 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists in a consummate all-around display, while the Swedish bench provided crucial energy in the decisive fourth quarter.
Germany's Spirited Showing
Germany led for three quarters and had the game seemingly under control. Rosalie Esser and Marija Ilic each scored 15 points, while Clara Bielefeld's extraordinary stat line of 17 rebounds and 13 assists — despite limited scoring — demonstrated the kind of selfless play that defines championship-caliber teams.
Despite the Final defeat, Germany achieved their primary objective: promotion to Division A for 2026.
Croatia Secure Third Spot
Croatia joined Sweden and Germany in earning promotion thanks to an 88-83 third-place victory over Lithuania. Lena Bilic was the undisputed star, scoring an astonishing 41 points in one of the individual performances of the entire youth basketball summer.
All three promoted teams — Sweden, Germany, and Croatia — will compete in the FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket 2026 Division A in Stockholm. Sweden will have the added motivation of playing on home soil, a storyline that promises to add extra intrigue to the tournament.