BERLIN (Germany) - The reigning FIBA Women's EuroBasket TISSOT MVP, Emma Meesseman, confirmed her status once again as one of the best in the game with a record-setting performance to tip-off her Women's World Cup campaign.
The Belgian superstar scored 27 points, setting a personal record at the World Cup as well as most by a Belgium player in the competition.
The previous record was 24 points, jointly held by Meesseman herself in 2018 against Spain and Kyara Linskens in 2024 against Puerto Rico.
Belgium won the game in the third quarter.
"It was mostly the defense that we had to adapt a little bit in order to be more aggressive and to get better in the flow of our offense", said Emma after the game. "I think we made the right adjustment."
It wasn't just about scoring for Meesseman, as she had an all-around game, finishing with 31 Efficiency Points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks, earning her TCL Player of the Game honors.
She then handed the spotlight to her teammate Julie Vanloo, who had experienced some very difficult days due to personal reasons but showed great resilience in this game with a great shooting display and 22 points.
I've been playing with them since 13, 14 years. I'm glad to be a part of this kind of basketball
The chemistry and camaraderie within the Belgian Cats is something else.
"It's very rare, I think", reflected Emma Messeman. "I've played in a lot of teams, good teams, don't get me wrong. But to know blindly where the other one is, you almost feel it, I think that's very special.
"It's very hard to recreate in a different team with different people cause we've been together for so many years literally. I've been playing with them since 13, 14 years. I'm glad to be a part of this kind of basketball."
FIBA