Eighteen-year-olds' battle for bronze: Lithuania vs. Austria

The Lithuanian U18 women's basketball team will face Austria on Sunday at 6:30 PM in the bronze medal match of the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries, Division B. The stakes are high, as the winner not only claims third place but also secures the final berth in the 2027 European Championship's Division A.

Lithuania began the group stage with three victories, defeating Ireland (58-47), Estonia (60-55), and Luxembourg (66-48). However, they suffered a loss to Austria (44-54) in their final group game. In the quarterfinals, the Lithuanian team staged an impressive comeback, overcoming a 15-point deficit against Greece to force overtime and ultimately win 74-66. Gabija Galvanauskaitė tied the game with 25 seconds left in regulation.

The team's journey in the semifinals was halted by host nation Romania, who secured a decisive victory with a score of 78-48. Austria also lost their semifinal match, falling to Israel 78-63 after a closely contested first half.

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On Sunday at 6:30 PM, Edvinas Justas's protégées will meet the Austrian team in the Division B small final.

Gabija Galvanauskaitė, a 16-year-old forward standing at 194 cm, has been a standout player for Lithuania, averaging 12.3 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. V. Griškutė has contributed 10 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. For Austria, Sophia Kuranovič leads the team with averages of 11.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.

This marks Lithuania's second consecutive year vying for promotion to Division A. Last year, they lost the bronze medal game 88-83 to Croatia, finishing fourth. This year, Austria stands as the final obstacle to promotion, having already defeated Lithuania in the group stage.

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The price of victory is not only bronze medals but also the last ticket to the A division of the 2027 European Championship.