GB HEAD TO DENMARK WITH ONE FOOT INTO FIBA WOMEN’S EUROBASKET

Great Britain heads to Denmark on Sunday afternoon, knowing that a win should be enough to qualify for the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 this summer via Group D.

GB’s ruthless 93-42 win over Estonia on Thursday, mixed with Denmark’s loss to Sweden in the other group game, has guaranteed coach Anna Montanana’s side second place going into Sunday’s finale in Gentofte.

And if you include the added factors of a 3-2 record, a healthy plus/minus of 97, and an earlier 75-62 victory over the Danes back in November, the odds are stacked firmly in favour of Great Britain to advance.

But qualification isn’t on the players’ minds just yet. Their focus is on themselves and what will be in front of them on Sunday afternoon.

“We wanted to build momentum and leave ourselves in the best possible position for Denmark,” GB forward Savannah Wilkinson said.

“We know that’ll be tough, but we have to focus on ourselves.”

GB were victorious over Denmark behind a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double by Wilkinson, with Holly Winterburn one rebound-shy of a triple-double, settling nicely instead for 12 points and 11 assists.

Despite the Danes now only playing for pride, they will still be a stern challenge on their home floor, given that they have nothing to lose and are eager to end their campaign on a high.

“The Estonia game was a great game for us, but now we have to think about Denmark,” said Montanana.

“They won’t be playing for anything. They will be playing for pride and for their country, so they will be tough, but we are growing as a team, and we will leave it all out there.”

And GB went all out in their recent win over Estonia. Racing to an early 7-3 lead and never looking back as they secured a 51-point success come the final buzzer.

Conversely, Denmark battled in the first half but was ultimately overpowered by Sweden, losing 98-72 and losing out on finishing above Great Britain.

Julianna Okosun led the Danes with 23 points and 12 rebounds, with Maria Jespersen adding15 points and seven assists.

Jespersen leads the Danes in scoring in the qualifiers, posting 18.5 points a game. She also scored a game-high 19 points in their last meeting in Manchester.

The mission, however, is clear now as the last game approaches. A win should seal their place at this summer’s FIBA Women’s EuroBasket.

Great Britain square off against Denmark in a crucial battle that could see GB qualify for FIBA Women’s EuroBasket this summer. You can watch them in action from 1pm on the FIBA YouTube channel by clicking here.