Belgian Cats crush Japan and move on to the Quarter-Finals!!

“We got ourselves in this mess. We’ll have to get ourselves out of it.”

That was the quote of the day after their complete off-game against Germany to start their Olympic tournament. We’re seven days later now and the Cats have done exactly that.

In their second game against the USA our Cats had already regained some of their usual fluid game and competed for 40 minutes against the world-class team to eventually lose it 74-87, bringing their point differential to -27. Their mission was clear: defeat Japan by at least 27 points.

Mission impossible?

Not for the Cats, as they grabbed Japan by the throat from the start of the game with a stifling defense and efficient offense for a 7-19 score after the opening quarter. Japan continued to struggle with their outside shooting and Belgium remained in control for 23-39 at the half. The flow of the game went unchanged in the second half and under guidance by our leading lady Meesseman, the Cats flirted with the 20 point lead for the first time (39-61), bringing the qualification for the Quarter-Finals within reach.

In a stressful final quarter an unchained Ramette bombed away from long range to get the Cats up by that magical number of 27 (44-71) with 5 minutes left to play. Another three by Ramette, followed by a very deep three from Delaere got Belgium to 47-77 with 3 minutes left. In those final minutes Meesseman again put Belgium on her shoulders with 6 points added to her conto to get that unexpected but much deserved 27 point victory with the 58-85 final score.

Emma Meesseman finished the game with 30 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists & 5 blocks. Elise Ramette put down her most impressive game as a Belgian Cat with 16 points & 4 assists. Antonia Delaere and Maxuella Lisowa both chipped in with 12 points.

Congratulations Cats… and on to Paris!