Italy was previously announced as the strong contender in the group stage. The fact that Italian ladies were cut from a different fabric soon came out on the field.
The Belgian Cats match was less exciting than in the previous two matches, and Italy relatively easily caught up with the Belgians, who relied mainly in the first half on Messmann’s inside scores and Vanello’s three-pointers.
In a particularly difficult third quarter, in which the Cats barely managed to score 11 points, even Italy held the lead for a while, although star player Zandalasini was held in the grip of staunch defensive Delaire.
Despite another cartload of assists – 11 again – Allemand had a more difficult time setting the pace and there was also little help from the bench. Honestly: Barely 6 of the 72 Belgian points scored came off the bench.
However, the Cats managed to pull the sheet in an even better quarter-final. Meesseman and Vanloo took their team to the draw and secured direct qualification to the quarter-finals: 72-64.
Belgium are the group winners with 3 out of 3 and will play again on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Cats will also replace Israel with Slovenia, where the final stage of the tournament will take place.
Belgium: Vanloo 23, Meesseman 20, Linskens 13, Allemand 6, Delaere 4, Mununga 4, Geldof 2.
“Subtly charming internet specialist. Avid writer. Friendly alcohol guru. Music ninja. Devoted social media fanatic.”
More Stories
Zino Debast’s father speaks out about leaving Anderlecht – Transfer News
Decisive first match and instant hero: Thibaut Courtois celebrates his return in style to Real Madrid
Tim Merlier is not afraid of uneven sprints: “I worked hard to climb better”