KATOWICE (Poland) - Belgium squandered a 14-point lead but Manu Lecomte pulled up and sunk a dagger 3.2 seconds from the final buzzer for the Lions to conclude their FIBA EuroBasket 2025 campaign with a 70-69 victory over Group D hosts Poland on Thursday.
The end result did not have any impact on the group standings. Following Slovenia’s win over Israel earlier in the day, Poland knew they would finish in second place regardless of the outcome, and Belgium had been eliminated from contention for a top-four spot on the previous gameday.
Turning Point
Belgium looked comfortable in the lead midway through the third quarter, up 51-41. Poland however went on a 17-7 run to end the period and the game momentum appeared to be shifting until both offenses came almost to a standstill in the final stanza. With neither team scoring more than 12 points in the period, the game was resolved by a single instant of individual talent, with Lecomte's pull-up jumper.
TCL Player of the Game
With 19 points and, most importantly, the game-winning dagger, Emmanuel Lecomte propelled Belgium to victory in Spodek Arena, saying goodbye to EuroBasket 2025 on a positive note.
On the losing end, Dominik Olejniczak delivered off the bench with 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. Mateusz Ponitka added 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Stats Don't Lie
Poland and Belgium confronted each other by displaying the two teams' most dangerous weapons.
Dario Gjergja's team found confidence from beyond the arc on an 11-of-27 three-point shooting night, while Poland outscored their opponents 36-14 in points in the paint.
Bottom Line
Belgium gifted themselves one hard-fought win in Katowice, proving their indomitable spirit even against the hosts. The Belgian Lions concluded their EuroBasket 2025 adventure on a 2-3 record in Group D.
Regardless of the outcome, Poland had already secured second place in the group, on a 3-2 record. They will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16 in Riga.
They Said
"Our aggressiveness and playing for each other were the keys tonight. Ismael Bako had an injury, and for him to play in today's game, which didn't mean anything, shows a lot about who he is as a person. We are guys who want the best for each other." - Belgium's Andy Van Vliet.
"I'm disappointed in myself. I came out definitely flat. There's no excuse. I wish we could have had a different and better closing for our fans, who always gave us energy and supported us. We'll bounce back, and we have to be ready for Bosnia and Herzegovina now." - Poland's Jordan Loyd.
For more quotes, tune in to the official post-game press conference!
FIBA