Third time lucky for Belgium.
After failing at the semi-final stages in the last two Women’s EuroBasket editions, they finally lifted the trophy for the first time in Ljubljana by beating Spain 64-58 in a captivating final.
Arguably head and shoulders above everyone else in the tournament, Belgium overcame the last hurdle in a strong Spain side stacked with veteran talent that have been there, seen it and done it.
And Belgium won it by facing a challenge that they didn’t go through in previous games, as they overturned a 10-point deficit with a strong finish in the final quarter, winning it 21-10.
“I think we dont realize the performance we did tonight. I am super proud to be the coach of this team,” said Belgium coach Rachid Meziane.
“I thank Federation for trusting me. It feels like destiny our paths crossed and we get the gold medal. It was a special game. I am also so proud of Emma (Meesseman) as she has the talent but also because of the person that she is. She finally has the gold medal with the national team and she deserves it. I am proud I am her coach – but also the coach of all her amazing teammates.”
Kyara Linskens recorded an impressive double-double of 18 points and 15 rebounds, while Emma Meesseman posted 24 points, eight rebounds and five steals.
Meesseman was monumental in the Belgian Cats triumph and was voted as the Women’s EuroBasket MVP with averages of 21.7 points per game along with 8.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 4.3 steals.
Fellow teammates Julie Allemand and Julie Vanloo joined Meesseman in the All-Star Five along with Spain’s Alba Torrens and Sandrine Gruda of France.
Queralt Casas led Spain with 14 points on 5/9 shooting.
Earlier, France claimed an eighth straight podium finish with an 82-68 win over Hungary.
The top five teams – Belgium, Spain, Hungary, Serbia and Germany, plus Paris 2024 hosts France qualified for the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.
The final standings of Women’s EuroBasket 2023:
1. Belgium
2. Spain
3. France
4. Hungary
5. Serbia
6. Germany
7. Czech Republic
8. Montenegro
9. Italy
10. Great Britain
11. Greece
12. Slovakia
13. Latvia
14. Turkey
15. Slovenia
16. Israel
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