Turkey crowned champions of U22 Men’s European Championships

Turkey were crowned champions of the U22 Men’s European Championships for the second consecutive time after defeating Germany in an exhilarating game, 67-64.

Both matched each other basket for basket in the opening quarter, in the second quarter Turkey took advantage of a number of missed opportunities from Germany to take a nine-point advantage into the break, 40-31.

The third quarter belonged to Germany, 18-13, to bring it back to a four-point game and ensure a thrilling final quarter. Germany continued their comeback in the fourth to take a seven-point lead, but a Turkey time-out allowed them to regroup and they came out with a 12-0 unanswered run, to take back the lead and hold on to take the title.

There was nothing between the two teams, Great Britain and Spain in the bronze medal game, with the first two quarters entirely even at 15-15 and 8-8. In re-run of the group game where Great Britain came out on top, it was Spain who got their revenge, this time more efficient under the basket to edge the win by three points 52-49.

Great Britain’s captain Jim Palmer top scored with 19 points, whilst Spain’s Ignacio Ortega followed closely behind with 19 points.

In the 5th/6th playoff, France continued their winning ways led by their captain Louis Hardouin’s 24 points they finished the tournament with a solid, 70-44, win over Israel.

Italy toppled Poland in the 7th/8th playoff, despite trailing to Poland for the first three quarters, a 15-9 final quarter saw the hosts finish strongly and get their only win of the competition, 45-41.

All Star Five

Louis Hardouin (FRA - 2.5), Nico Dreimüller (GER - 2.0), Enes Bulut (TUR - 4.0), Jim Palmer (GBR - 1.0), Matthias Güntner (GER - 4.5).

All Star Five at the Men's U22 European Championships

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Images courtesy of Federazione Italiana Pallacanestro in Carrozzina