The women's basketball team won the away game with narrow margins a year ago and secured an excellent starting position for the return match at the Baltiska hallen in Malmö. Victory on Sunday afternoon and a spot in the European Championship playoffs was practically secured.
And victory it was – after a drama where the teams alternated in having a result-wise superiority throughout most of the match.
When Estonia defeated Denmark with 66–58 a few hours later, the women's basketball team could definitely celebrate their advancement to the European Championship, which will be played on June 18-29 in Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Greece.
Sweden was in trouble for a while, when they couldn't stop Holly Winterburn, the great British star.
Deficit at halftime
The British women led by five points at halftime.
A slightly shaky performance, we can do much better. We've done some things weaker than we should. It gives us a spark, says Frida Eldebrink to SVT at halftime.
The turnaround came in the fourth and final quarter. The defense worked and the offense delivered. But Great Britain approached again. With just over two minutes left, Fanny Wadling sank a Swedish "three" to 61–54, whereupon Great Britain countered with two straight three-point shots.
The British women missed an attempt to force overtime with their last shot, and Sweden held on to 63–60.
"Incredibly proud"
Frida Eldebrink scored 19 points and was named the match's player. Klara Lundquist was the national team's second-best scorer with 17 points.
The victory means that the women's basketball team has won all four of their qualifying matches and has mutual matches against group two's Great Britain ahead of the remaining two qualifying matches.
I'm incredibly proud of everyone. We've had a great week, says Klara Lundquist.
