new fan record for the Belgian Cats and success against Lithuania

Belgium did not miss its reunion with its public, a few months after fourth place at the Olympics. At the Sportpaleis in Antwerp, the Belgian Cats quite simply broke the spectator record for a European qualifying match in women’s basketball (10,614 spectators). Even more important: 365 days after their home defeat against Poland (62-67), Rachid Meziane’s players took back the reins of the group thanks to their victory over Lithuania (81-70). The top three have a 2-1 record.

As often, the Belgians relied on their leaders on Thursday evening, notably Emma Meesseman (17 points on 7/15 shooting, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 interceptions) and Julie Allemand (16 points, 9 assists), to make the hole when returning from the locker room. Clumsy and less aggressive (23 ball losses), the teammates of Lyonnaise Juste Jocyte (15 points at 5/12 on shots, 3 ball losses in 30 minutes) and Laura Juskaite (ex-Saint Amand, 18 points) counted up to 20 points behind before limiting the gap.

Sunday, in Poland, the players of Rachid Meziane, who indeed “turned the page on the Olympics”, will therefore have the opportunity to take first place in the group in the event of victory. Conversely, a new defeat would plunge them into a crisis.

Results – EuroBasket Women Qualifications