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In the first game of day 5, the semi-final day of the U22 European Championship,in the classification game for a spot in the 5/6th play off Israel were up against Spain. In an exciting match it was Israel who took the win, 54-51 led by top scorer Shkuri with 20 points and Barbibay's double double (18 points and 17 rebounds), to progress to the playoff.
Their opponent was decided in the next game of Day 5 as France took on The Netherlands. It was the Netherlands who started strong taking a surprise early lead 18-8 at the end of the first quarter, however a 9-0 run for France at the start of the second bringing it back to a 4 point game at half time. The momentum stayed with France who went on to win the second half by 11 points and the game 56 - 49. The win sending them through to play Israel at 12:30 pm for the last place at the U23 World Championships. Whilst Spain and the Netherlands will play in the 7/8th final.
In the first semi-final of the day it was the host Italy up against Turkey. Turkey, who are currently undefeated in the tournament were determined to maintain this record and controlled the game against Italy from the beginning. Their defensive pressure keeping Italy to only 10 points in the first half, giving them a 20 lead, 30 -10. A margin that was too much for the Italian's to comeback from, despite their best efforts it was Turkey who took victory 55 -34 and the first place in the final.
In the last game of the day saw a rerun of the U22 European Championships Final in 2014 between Great Britain and Germany. Although the Germans started well in the match and took an early lead, Great Britain turned the game round, matching up with the German's size and keeping their threatening big players of Guntner and Schoneberg out of the game. Whilst Great Britain converted their chances shooting at 46% throughout the game compared to Germany's 29%, giving GB the win 61-46 and securing themselves a place in the final for the second consecutive time.
Germany and Italy will play or the Bronze medal at 14:45 pm. Whilst the final will be a replica of the Senior European Championships final between Turkey and Great Britain at 17:00 pm.
Day 5 scores:
- Israel 54 - 41 Spain
- The Netherlands 49 – 56 France
- Italy 34 – 55 Turkey
- Germany 46 – 61 Great Britain
Final day:
- 10:15 am - 7/8th Playoff - Spain vs The Netherlands
- 12:30 pm - 5/6th Playoff - France vs Israel
- 14:45 pm - Bronze - Italy vs Germany
- 17:00 pm - Gold - Turkey vs Great Britain
