Damian Jennings full of praise as GB U-20 women claim Euro crown

Great Britain's under-20 women sealed the European Championship Division B title with a thrilling 47-46 victory against Slovak Republic on Sunday evening.

Damian Jennings' side had already clinched promotion to the top flight, but their success in the final in Macedonia saw them become the first GB age group team to clinch a FIBA Europe title.
Led by 13 points and eight rebounds from Mairi Buchan plus 12 points and six boards from Mary Durojaye, the GB side led for most of the game after a strong second period put them in the driving seat.

GB didn't shoot the ball well inside the arc, managing only 28 percent of their two-point efforts, but hit half of their three point attempts and out-rebounded the Slovaks 48-35.

Kristie Sheils added nine points and five boards, with Rebecca Allison finishing with nine rebounds and three assists for a GB team that gave at least seven minutes of action to all 12 of their roster.

Slovakia were led by 16 points from Klaudia Lukacovicová and 14 from Veronika Cernáková, and will be consoled by the fact that they will join GB in Division A next season.

"I am really proud of all the players and their commitment to this result - all 12 played with class and determination," Jennings said.
"You are never going to get a one sided affair when the stakes are so high, and Portugal certainly reminded us frequently what we were all fighting for.

"The manner in which the players and staff have operated since the beginning is testimony to how seriously we take representing our country and it was incredibly pleasing to see everyone from GB staff back home, my staff team and the players rewarded for their efforts with this history-changing promotion."

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