Fágbénlé hits 300 points, but GB fall to hot-shooting Germany

Coming into the final game of Group D, GB Women had it all to do to progress to the next stage of the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025. As Spain edged out a close game against Sweden earlier in the day, GB had an outside chance to qualify, provided they secured a statement 11-point win over the hosts and strong favourites, Germany.

Germany ran out to a sizeable victory against Sweden in their opening fixture of the EuroBasket, led by an explosive scoring performances from Dallas Wings forward Luisa Geiselsoder, who had 20 points, and Frieda Buhner, with 18 points and nine rebounds.

However, after Germany suffered a 79-60 defeat to Spain on the second day of the tournament, they left a glimpse of hope for Head Coach Anna Montañana’s side.

GB, on the other hand, were fresh off a tough loss to Sweden, in which they showed their capability of high-level play, but ultimately succumbed to a well-drilled and consistent Swedish offence.

GB immediately played the ball into Fágbénlé, deep in the paint, for a cheeky flip layup over her defender. It was a strategy early on for Temi to seal her position in the post and look to score, but Germany countered this tactic, blocking the passing lanes and doubling Fágbénlé when she did receive the ball.

The German offence was relentless from the off. Geiselsoder simply could not miss, scoring all of Germany’s first seven points.

With GB trying to switch defenders on the pick-and-roll, she pulled up for the quick three. Then, as GB’s defenders were now wary of her distance shooting, Geiselsoder drove hard off another screen, laying up off the glass. Now with the hot hand, she went straight at Temi’s chest, bumping and spinning, before splashing in the post-fade.

Holly Winterburn drove GB’s counter, moving off the ball on the attacking timeout to earn an open shot under the rim. Her deep three off the Catriona Henderson offensive rebound brought GB within four.

However, Germany’s prolific shooting refused to subside, and Buhner joined Geiselsoder in piling on the misery by finding ways to penetrate GB’s defence and score at the rim.

Q1: GBR 8 / GER 26

The second quarter continued as the first finished, as New York Liberty forward and WNBA champion Leonie Fiebich splashed in Germany’s fifth three-pointer.

GB punched through Sam Ashby for the right-handed scoop and then went to Fágbénlé in the paint once more. It seemed they had found an offensive rhythm; Winterburn’s attack collapsed the defence, allowing her to pass the ball into Savannah Wilkinson for the easy flip; Fágbénlé then hit a three on her third attempt, bringing the lead down to 17-33.

Germany’s offence persisted relentlessly, with Alexeandra Wilke’s ludicrously high arcing three-point bomb frustrating GB’s defensive scramble.

But GB refused to be deterred, spurred on by a monster rejection by Temi. Wilkinson, coming off a difficult game against Sweden, showcased her crafty scoring, carving up the defence with her driving game and knocking down the second-chance three.

Despite Germany’s strong attacking play, GB won the quarter 24-22.

Q2: GBR 32 / GER 48

Wilkinson continued where she left off, proving herself to be GB’s most reliable scorer to this point, attacking the basket off a nice pump fake. Ashby then followed suit, dishing to Winterburn for the easy flip in front of the basket, before cashing in a three for herself.

GB finally managed to get the ball into Fágbénlé for the first time since the very first possession of the game, who showed why she is one of the WNBA’s finest interior threats. She backed in, using her physicality to force the ball up over the defender and in. All of a sudden, GB had cut the lead to just five.

However, mistakes towards the end of the quarter proved costly. GB’s offence ground to a halt, whilst Germany whipped the ball around dynamically. Geiselsoder found space in the middle of GB’s zone defence to put in the easy floater. In the low post now, she threw a perfectly timed bounce pass into the middle of the paint, catching Alexis Peterson on the cut for an open layup.

Fiebich hit a gut-wrenching put-back layup after the buzzer to end the quarter, frustrating what was an impressive GB comeback.

Q3: GBR 52 / GER 63

Ultimately, Germany’s three-point scoring and quick ball movement proved too much for GB’s defence, despite a valiant drive in the third quarter. Straight out of the break, Fiebich and Buhner connected on their jumpers from deep, extending the German lead back to 17.

GB went to Winterburn to find some inspiration. Her movement off the ball was rewarded by a great pass from Wilkinson, opening her up for the layup. Then, another great move allowed Holly to step through and score. Wilkinson and Winterburn sustained this one-two punch, both attacking the basket and Savannah hitting a tough three-pointer.

Some nice GB passing found Temi Fágbénlé for the open layup and her 300th point for GB Basketball. A stalwart for her country, Temi has represented the best of GB in her time in the States and across Europe, and continues to lead a young, developing side with poise and determination.

However, with time winding down, GB could not find a way through. Although GB had periods where they showed why they belong among the elite of European basketball, they were unable to maintain that intensity for all 40 minutes and were defeated by a strong and deep German side.

Final Score: GBR 67 / GER 80

Head Coach Anna Montañana

“Well, we knew it was going to be a very tough game because Germany was playing at home, and they are used to playing for something bigger; they have the World Championship; they have players with a lot of experience and high physicality.

“But we didn't have anything to lose, and that's how we approached this game.

“I think the team fought in any way possible, even with the score. I’m very happy with the performance. Yes, we made some mistakes in the very important moments, but we came back in the game again, and this is something we have done every time we’ve been down.

“I’m proud of the team for the way they have been fighting. For sure, I wanted more, for sure we wanted to get a win, but I would say overall, after this year, every time we finish a tournament, we as a team have grown.”

Temi Fágbénlé:

“Echoing what coach said, obviously, we don’t want to lose any games, but our goal was just to improve, day by day, and I think we were able to take a step forward today.”

Speaking on her role as an ambassador for GB Basketball, and the future of the national team, she said, “Every time we’re able to play on the international stage, it's an honour and a privilege. Each day, we are trying to get better, and it's a huge motivation just for any international competition we have in the future.

“We’re a young team in general – although I think I raise the average a little bit – and we have talent, we have drive. I think we can use all these positives and build upon them in the future. I’m hopeful.”

Watch the full press conference below.