16.06.2012

Germany Turn Back Resilient Romania

Germany led from start to finish and beat Romania 70-60 at the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round game in Hagen.

Romy Bär had 16 points, seven assists, five rebounds and a game-high seven steals to lead the Germans.

In their first game of Group D, the hosts began well and opened up a 15-2 lead nearly seven minutes into the contest.

Anne Breitreiner drilled a three-pointer for the first points of the game and Andreas Wagner's team then got a balanced attack in that early run with Romy Bar also contributing four points.

Romania, impressive winners at home against Sweden in their opener, gradually got back into the contest and when Gabriela Marginean hit a jumper with 2:15 to go in the half, Germany's advantage was just 31-29.

Germany kept their noses in front, but only just.

Three minutes into the third quarter, Ancuta Stoenescu scored for Romania to trim the deficit to 43-41.

That basket took her points haul to 15 for the game.

Romania kept the pressure on, but Germany remained composed and did well to stay in front before claiming a 70-60 victory.

Elisabeth Pavel and Stoenescu each had 18 points for Romania who have some good young players.

One of them is Pavel, a 21-year-old center.

With Spain, Sweden and Bulgaria also in Group D, there are going to be some interesting encounters coming up as the sides battle for the top two spots to earn a trip to France.

16.06.2012

Quotes Germany vs. Romania

Elisabeth Pavel, Romania:
"This was a very tough game for us. Germany played very strong defense but I think we played pretty well too. Germany was much more aggressive than Sweden in our first game. We definitely have to play better defense in the coming games and even in offense we have to be more aggressive than we weree today."

Dan Fleseriu, Romania coach:
"Congratulations to Germany! This was a bad game for us. 20 turnovers are way too many for us to win this game. Germany put a lot of pressure on us with a very good defense. Their team is well organized. We have to be more aggressive on both ends of the court in our next games. And of course we have to limit our turnovers."

Andreas Wagner, Germany coach:
"I´m very pleased with our game today because the first game is always the hardest. You do not know exactly where you stand [before the game]. Our defense was very strong but in the next games we have to avoid some weak minutes like [we had] today. Overall I´m very relieved about our first win."

Romy Bär, Germany:
"First of all I want to thank our great fans which supported us so well. This first win is very important for us. Our next game in Spain will be easier because they are the big favourites. Today we can be almost content but we have to remain concentrated over 40 minutes; but it´s good to see that we can and will get better."