Belgium now awaits the winner between Germany and France in the other quarterfinal duel in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 women's basketball.
Things looked bleak for Belgium after dropping its first two outings in the group phase of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 women’s basketball.
Germany dominated the Cats in the opener, 83-69. Belgium held its own against Team USA but ultimately fell prey to the basketball juggernaut, 87-74, before bouncing back with a resounding 85-58 win over Japan.
But the hope didn’t diminish one bit the Olympic journey of the world no. 6 team.
And now the Cats barges into semifinals after a one-sided 79-66 win over Spain in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, August 7 (PH time) at the Bercy Arena.
Belgium seized control early on the crest of a 22-11 second period performance to nab its first appearance in the penultimate stage in just its second Olympic participation.
The Cats sustained that momentum, instigating a 9-2 run coming off the break to erect a 57-39 advantage they never relinquished.
Emma Meesseman put the team on her shoulders and delivered a tour-de-force performance with 19 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals, and four blocks.
Just as impressive was Kyara Linskens, who tallied the same number of points she poured with eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals in over 26 minutes of play.
Antonia Delaere and Julie Vanloo scored 13 points apiece and dished out game-high seven assists each.
Belgium will face the winner between host France and Germany in the semifinals on August 9 (PH Time).
Megan Gustafson paced world no. 4 Spain with 21 points and seven rebounds. Maite Cazorla added 13 points.