The trend was confirmed upon returning from the locker room with a Belgian collective gaining more and more ascendancy over the Latvians and up to 13 points ahead during the 3rd quarter (66-53). But while qualification for the Euro seemed to be fast approaching, Latvia began a comeback causing the Belgian defense to lose all control in the final minutes. Zoriks, Steinberg and Lomazs turned into executioners to restore color to their team and even put them back in the lead in the final moments. The Lions also lost Manu Lecomte to injury (hamstring) and ended up losing to the wire.
The balance between the outside and inside game had something to do with it. Among the large formats, Van Vliet and Gillet were too clumsy offensively. Only Thijs De Ridder managed to appear truly threatening under the rings. We will also note the free throws left along the way (12 out of 18) which weigh heavily in the final count.
The Belgian Lions will therefore have to wait until the next international window to validate their ticket for Eurobasket 2025 against Slovakia on February 20.
Technical Sheet
Belgium: LECOMTE 20, GILLET 6, VANWIJN 13, VAN VLIET 4, OBASOHAN 20, Schwartz 5, Bleijenbergh 3, De Ridder 9, Ledegen 0, Van Buggenhout 3, Bolavie -, Van Den Eynde -.
Arbitres: MM. Lanzarini (Ita), Yilmaz (Tur), Praksch (Hon).
Quarts : 20-16, 21-20, 25-22, 17-27.
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