Driven by the energy coming from the stands of the Sportpaleis in Antwerp, the Cats started the match with flying colors by signing a 13-4 in 5 minutes. Time for Maxuella Lisowa, inducted into the basic five in the absence of Antonia Delaere due to injury, to score 8 of the Belgian team’s first 13 points.
The defensive and offensive intensity displayed by the Cats then gave the impression that they were already heading towards a fairly easy success against the 45th nation in the world. But the Lithuanians called the Belgians to order several times. Each small drop in speed was punished by an opponent who had decided to rely on a muscular game, especially in the interior game, to disrupt the progression of the Cats as much as possible (41-35 at half-time).
A plan which, however, ended up being shattered upon returning from the locker room, when the Belgian team decided to step on the accelerator by considerably increasing its aggressiveness and the pace of play. Essentially under the leadership of Julie Allemand (16 points and 9 assists) and Emma Meesseman (17 points and 7 rebounds), faithful to their role as leaders.
Belgian Cats: Meesseman and Allemand, the “Belgian connection” that has become inseparable
The gap then reached the 20-point mark in the 3rd quarter, allowing the Cats to control the end of the match even if a certain lack of success on distance shots and some relaxation on the defensive level allowed the visitors to sign a last burst of pride without consequence.
Sunday, in Poland, the Cats will therefore have the opportunity to take first place in the group in the event of a victory. But you will have to show more consistency for 40 minutes to avoid falling into the trap.
Belgium: 26/46 (2 pts); 7/25 (3 pts); 8/9 (lfs); 28 rubles; 26 aces; 20 feet MEESSEMAN 17, LINSKENS 8, LISOWA 10, VANLOO 12, ALLEMAND 16, Ramette 2, Claessens 2, Be. Masey 3, Vervaet 2, Bi. Massey 0, Joris 9, Defosset -.
Lithuania: 17/30 (2 points); 8/19 (3 pts); 12/17 (lfs); 33 rubles; 19 axis; 16 feet. JOCYTE 15, JUSKAITE 18, SVENTORAITE 10, DONSKICHYTE 2, LABUCKIENE 0, Miknaite 0, Baltkojiene 8, Meskonyte 5, Miskiniene 8, Use 4, Zabotkaite -.
Quarts : 19-15, 22-20, 25-14, 15-21.
