Eurobasket Women's 2025: Italy-Belgium 64-66
SEF thriller: Belgium excluded Italy and passed on to the Eurobasket Women's 2025 final. With heroine Antony Delater and starring Meesman and Venlu, Belgium subjugated Italy 66-64 and qualified for the 2025 Eurobasket final.
Shocking overturning from Italy, but Delaber's three -pointer “sealed” the victory
A shocking duel unfolded at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, where Belgium managed to close a position for the Eurobasket Women's 2025, beating Italy 66-64. The game had all the elements of a great semifinal: tension, twists and turns.
Despite Belgium's +14 at the end of the third period, Italy, with an unlikely 17-0 run, brought the Tuba match, but a crucial three-pointer by Antonia Delaber in the final seconds gave Reinkers a big victory.
First half – Belgium's qualitative counterattack
The match started balanced, with both teams keeping up in scoring (10-10), but Italy took a light lead by closing the first quarter at +3 (20-17). With better percentages in three -pointers (3/8), the “Squadron” seemed to be rhythm, while Belgium was difficult at 6.75m. (1/5).
However, the sequel was different. With Julie Venlou orchestrating the attack (12 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds) and Meesman dominating under the baskets, Belgium led 33-40.
Absolute control over the third quarter
Belgium entered the third period, reaching +14 (43-57), dominating defense and attack. Meesman already had a double-double (13 BC, 10 pp), while Alemad added 11 points and 5 assists to her assets. On the other hand, Italy was aggressively suffering with 22% on three -pointers (5/22), unable to follow.
Italy's overthrow and Delaner's temper
The fourth quarter was … another story! Italy has overturned the event, scoring 17 unanswered points and holding Belgium at absolute zero for almost 7 minutes! Chiara Linskens with a goal-scoring equalized 60-60 and Fassina with Lai-AP at 28 '' made it 64-62 in favor of Italy.
But Belgium had not said its last word. After the excellent creation of Julie Venlo, Delaber scored a big three-point in the 17 '' for 64-65. Verona failed in the next attack and Belgium sealed the qualification in the final!
The top of the Belgium match
Julie Venlo: 15 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds – orchestrator of the overthrow
Emma Meseman: 15 P., 12 p.
Antony Delater: 3 POPON-“Knife” at 17 ''-Declaration to qualifying
Next goal: The final with Spain
Belgium will be in the big Eurobasket women's 2025 finals, where it will claim to maintain the title against strong Spain. The goal is clear: back-to-back championship and absolute recognition in European women's basketball.
Statements at the press conference
Mike Timbo (Belgian coach): “Congratulations to Italy, there was a fierce battle between the two teams. In the second half we had no good rates, we lost a lot of possessions and Italy returned to the match and got the momentum. In the last part of the race we reacted, we took out some great phases, and Delaner put a big three -point. I don't think we loosened at +14, nor did we underestimate Italy. We just made some mistakes and gave rhythm to a talented team. “
Antony Delater: “They deserve a thumbs up in Italy, filed a heart throughout the match and didn't give up. They put on big shots and returned to the match, but we managed to get some defenses and score. I think it was the biggest shot of my career. The coach had told me just before if I was free to shoot, I had the confidence of my team. We never stopped playing or believing. We have a big final in front of us and we will try to get the title. Spain has a full team, it has been renewed to some extent, but it is worth it in the final and will be a fierce battle. I felt a little strange that Mesman gave me the MVP award, but she is not interested in individual awards. It was a team effort, everyone gave something to come to this victory. It is fantastic to do so for Belgium, where basketball is constantly growing. “
Andrea Kapobianko (Italian coach): “I'm proud of my team. We have shown a character against a very good team and it is important for us that we made only 8 errors and lost only 9 rebounds from Belgium. There is frustration over the defeat, as it is normal, but I have no complaints from my team. When we were left behind with a big difference, what I asked for the girls was to play our basketball. From the beginning of preparation I asked to go beyond our limits and we have done it. I am very proud of the efforts and deposition of the girls' souls. “
Lorella Kouyai: “We're a little frustrated, but I'm proud of the character we showed. We never gave up and we have to maintain this mentality in the future. We still have a game against France, which is a very good team. Despite our frustration we must continue to claim the bronze medal. “
