PIRAEUS (Greece) - Belgium are now just one step away from defending the precious crown they won two years ago after taking a dramatic 66-64 win against Italy in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 Semi-Finals in Piraeus. The Cats survived a major scare after blowing a 14-point lead in the second-half and had to survive a missed triple-attempt in the last seconds by their opponents to extend their winning streak to 12 games.
Turning point
Belgium were coasting to victory and up by double-digits when Italy pulled out an extraordinary 17-0 run to start the last quarter and to jump into the box-seat. Scoreless for almost 7 minutes, an 'and-1' from Kyara Linskens broke the drought and got the Cats rolling again.
It set up an epic finish and it was unsung hero Antonia Delaere who ended up hitting what proved to be the game-winning triple from the corner to seal the deal. Even if Belgium did have to still hold their breath afterwards when Constanza Verona couldn't get her shot to drop from downtown.
TCL Player of the Game
Emma Meesseman starred for Belgium with a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds, as well as 3 assists and 3 blocks.
Stats don't lie
Belgium made 10 of 11 free-throws and in such a tight and nerve-shredding game, that was a precious number.
Bottom line
Belgium will probably hold an inquest after that mind-blowing 17-0 Italian run. The positive is that they survived and it might give them the added focus they need to make it back-to-back titles. One of the other positives was that Delaere again underlined how it is not only about stellar headline names, but this whole Cats' team - and always has been. It's also why Emma Meesseman handed her Player of the Game award to her teammate.
Italy were left heartbroken by the loss having had the chance to win it and cause shockwaves by making their first Final in 30 years. They came so close. But rather than feelings of despair, this was a huge boost for Italy in the longer-term picture. They showed they can play with the best and are on the rise. They displayed astonishing heart with their run and now they still have the chance to shoot for a medal and deliver success in the short-term.
They said
"Italy played an an amazing game and their heart for 40 minutes. Luckily at the end of it and at the right moment, we started to also make some stops and shots. We never stopped fighting or believing and it is another Final which is amazing." Belgium wing, Antonia Delaere "First of all credit to Italy. It was a hard fought game. For us, we didn't shoot the ball well in the second-half. It gave them hope to get back into the game and they did with some big shots. Credit to our players that we were able to bounce back and make plays. Antonia [Delaere's] shot was huge." Belgium coach, Mike Thibault
"We are disappointed and that is normal. But honestly, we played against a good team and they are champions for a reason. I am proud of our resilience. We never gave up and that is how we have to go from now on. We have to keep fighting." Italy center, Lorela Cubaj "I am proud of this team and it has a very tough mentality. I am happy with only 8 turnovers against a good team and this is very important. Yes, now I am disappointed and sad, but I am also proud." Italy coach, Andrea Capobianco
FIBA