“A wonderful feeling. As a child I dreamed of the Games, but that I would now become an Olympian for the second time… (silence) How crazy is that?” In the wings of the Antwerp Sports Palace, Emma Meesseman beamed with happiness on Friday evening around eleven. With a brilliant performance, the Grande Dame of the Belgian Cats had guided past the African vice-champion Senegal, meaning that the basketball women have the Olympic ticket for Paris 2024 in their pocket.
“To be able to realize this for such an audience. I don’t think anyone could have dreamed better than this,” said the Belgian star player, who seemed taken aback for a moment. Two hours earlier she had appeared at the public prosecutor’s office undisturbed, as if she were throwing balls on a square in her street. Even the loudly cheering and already quite full stands did not seem to throw the frontwoman of the Belgian Cats off balance.
Confidence fueled
She looked so relaxed before the match, and she performed so masterfully in it. Unlike against the unapproachable America, when a win was not a must, it had to happen for the Cats on Friday evening in the match against Senegal. And in the past they’ve had problems with athletic, physical teams – it’s a type of basketball that they don’t like as much. Make it difficult for the African vice-champion with fast teamwork: that was the task.
Meesseman and co. had barely 24 hours. to recover from the match against the United States. It immediately became clear on Friday that they had built up a lot of confidence against the reigning Olympic champion – out of the category in women’s basketball – by keeping pace for an hour. During the first attack, Bethy Mununga managed a three-pointer, after just over four minutes there was already a thirteen-point gap on the board (17-4). Thanks also to Julie Allemand, who started again in the starting line-up – she already had seven assists at half time.
Although they passed the ball around smoothly, the Belgian women were not quite able to match the level they had against America before the break. Offensively, there was sometimes a lack of efficiency – shots from the three-point line were regularly missed, while the clinging Senegalese women on the other side finished more sharply: 42-33 half way. “In the first half we made too many small mistakes – big mistakes actually, if I’m sharp,” Meesseman said. “We were not a defensive block like we were against the US. ”
Sublime third quarter
But whenever Senegal threatened to creep too close, she was there to stifle the African resurgence. Together with Allemand, the Belgian star player formed an almost unstoppable attacking tandem. Especially in a sublime third quarter, she scored continuously, with 32 points (completed at 72 percent) and she was crowned the top scorer of the match.
Senegal stood there and watched, unable to make a fist anymore. After Meesseman left with a standing ovation, the Belgian basketball women finished the game calmly: 97-66. This way, they were allowed to have a party one day after the near-failure stunt. Because the US turned out to be more than one size too big for Nigeria earlier in the evening, as expected, they will soon be part of the Olympic family for the second time in a row.
Danger everywhere
In the spring they will compete with eleven other countries for the Olympic draw. The group stage will be completed just across the border in Lille, from the quarter-finals onwards the matches will take place in Paris. Meesseman and her followers get the opportunity in the French capital to erase the sour memory of almost three years ago. Then the way to the semi-finals was open, but things went wrong in the final minute against host country Japan.
Since then, the Cats have undergone a makeover. Not only is there a different coach on the sidelines with Rachid Méziane, a generational change has taken place in the team. Where in the past the loss of quality was often too great when substitutions were made and the main focus was on the starting five, the bench now looks stronger. Just like against the US, the danger came from everywhere against Senegal – only Maxuella Liwosa did not score on Friday.
The rejuvenation also means there is more explosiveness in the team. Moreover, unlike the previous Olympic Games, the Belgian Cats – who have become more of a tournament team under Méziane – will have a preparation period of six weeks. And, Meesseman said earlier this week: “Then we as a team will really be able to take a new step.” (DS February 8)
But she did not want to express any concrete ambitions on Friday evening. “First enjoy this ticket. Rest assured that all other countries will be prepared for us. Moreover, you also need luck in the draw. You can still be the second best team if you play against America in the quarter finals… ”
