PIRAEUS (Greece) - Belgium are now two wins away from being crowned FIBA Women's EuroBasket champions once again after they rode past Germany 83-59 in the Quarter-Finals in Piraeus.
They prospered from a trademark 30-point display from Emma Meesseman who torched Germany with some incredible work - although there were also plenty of other standout efforts from her Cats' teammates too.
Turning point
Ahead by just four points at the break, Belgium came out of the half-time interval with all guns blazing and Meesseman finding another level at both ends of the court. She scored 9 quick-fire points and produced 2 big blocks as Belgium built a double-digit lead and took full control of the game.
TCL Player of the Game
Emma Meesseman proved to be unstoppable in every way as her clinic carried the Cats to victory. She eventually collected a monstrous performance efficiency valuation of 38 after firing 30 points and also adding 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.
Stats don't lie
Belgium were devastating from two-point range and sunk a phenomenal 60 percent, that was compared to just 28.1 percent for Germany.
Bottom line
Belgium almost visibly clicked through the gears as the game unfolded and once they went into overdrive, they were impossible to live with. While Meesseman was a colossus as ever, but most importantly there were the usual cameo performances from the likes of Kyara Linskens, Julie Vanloo and Julie Allemand. The Cats looked primed to get the 2 wins they need to retain their crown and on this show, it will take something special to beat them.
Germany fought hard and impressed in the opening half but were second best in the spell when their opponents ramped up the dial. Overall they just didn't shoot well enough, although there are still positives for Lisa Thomaidis. Not least, double-digit scoring returns for new generation duo Emily Bessoir and Frieda Buhner. With a FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 spot secured as hosts, Germany could relax but will want to finish on a high.
They said
"We know that we are not going to win a game in the first half. I am proud of the team as there were different people [stepping up] in different moments. That is how Belgium plays. And, when everything goes well, of course it is more fun." Belgium forward, Emma Meesseman "The biggest thing for me is that our players have a defensive mentality, since that kicks in our offense. We want to put continual pressure on our opponent with the pace of the game. We kept playing at the pace we wanted and we got a good balance of the ball inside and outside. Emma was absolutely terrific. It makes it easy as a coach when you have her and others like her." Belgium head coach, Mike Thibault
"Belgium are such a sound team and their experience and depth showed. Our first half was well played, but they got hot at the start of the third quarter and we just couldn't counter." Germany coach, Lisa Thomaidis
FIBA