IWBF Euros: Dutch hand Germany first loss

The defending European women’s champions defeated the London 2012 Paralympic champions on day six. 03 Sep 2015

Mariska Beijer helped lead the Netherlands to a bronze-medal finish at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

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By European Wheelchair Basketball Championships

The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) European Wheelchair Basketball Championships wrapped up day six on Wednesday (2 September) in Worcester, Great Britain, with the top women and men’s teams making their cases for gold.

WOMEN

The Netherlands now remain the only team perfect in the women’s pool after defeating Germany 58-37 on Wednesday.

Germany could not find an answer for Mariska Beijer, who finished with a game-high 27 points, including nine in the first quarter. The Dutch extended their lead to double-digits in the second quarter and kept that momentum throughout the rest of the game.

The Netherlands defense intensified in the second half, forcing the Germans to 13 turnovers and serving them their first loss in the tournament. Germany’s Marina Mohnen managed 12 points.

Great Britain and France had no trouble in their games, holding Spain and Italy to fewer than 20 points, respectively.

Day six results

Great Britain 69, Spain 10

France 69, Italy 16

Netherlands 58, Germany 37

MEN

Germany handed Spain their first loss of the tournament with a thrilling 66-58 victory to stay atop pool A. Spain held the 32-28 halftime lead and widened it to 12 points in the third period. But the Germans fought back to tie the game 56-56 and outscored Spain 21-8 in the fourth quarter for the comeback win. Germany’s Dirk Passiwan flirted with a triple double, finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Turkey continued their quest for a European title with a commanding 69-51 victory over Israel. Ibrahim Yavuz had a game-high 20 points, followed by Ferit Gumus’ 19.

Day six results

Poland 81, France 68

Sweden 80, Swizterland 66

Italy 58, Netherlands 51

Turkey 69, Israel 53

Germany 66, Spain 58

Complete recaps of the IWBF European Wheelchair Basketball Championships 2015 can be found on the event website.

Medal games take place on Sunday (6 September). Also visit the event website for the IWBF European Wheelchair Basketball Championships 2015’s full schedule.