The Poles, led by an enterprising Stephanie Mavunga (18 points, 11 rebounds) and Agnieszka Sobel (22 points), were in the lead for most of the first three quarters, widening a difference of 9 points at rest ( 41-32). The Cats, however, managed to bring the gap back to one point before the start of the last period (57-56), and the two teams went blow for blow.
Unlike the match against Lithuania, won last Thursday in Antwerp (81-70), Julie Allemand had a little more difficulty imposing her rhythm in the lead (12 points, 7 assists). The inevitable Emma Meesseman assumed her responsibilities and scored 29 points (12/15 shooting) accompanied by 8 rebounds and 4 assists, supported by Julie Vanloo behind the arc (4/9 at 3 points).
These performances did not prevent a suspenseful end to the match, in which the Cats had to make up for a 2-point deficit conceded with just over two minutes remaining. Allemand and Meesseman, then Linskens (15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists), ensured in the money time to achieve a crucial victory.
It will be necessary to place 1st place in the group to ensure a place at the next Euro 2025, while a 2nd place could be enough in the event of favorable results. Indeed, the eight group winners will qualify for the competition, in addition to the four best runners-up. These twelve teams will join Germany, Greece, the Czech Republic and Italy, co-organizers of EuroBasket 2025 from June 19 to 29 in Bologna, Hamburg, Brno and Piraeus.
The Belgian Cats, defending champions, still have two qualifying matches to play next February. They will host Azerbaijan on the 6th and will travel to Lithuania on the 9th.
