Women’s Olympic Basketball Match Report: Sabali Sisters Combine Points, Meesman Scores for Germany vs Belgium

On the evening of July 29, in the first round of the group stage at the Paris Olympics, two European teams, Belgium Women’s Basketball and Germany Women’s Basketball, met.

The opening quarter saw Germany take the lead with a 6-0 start. Fibi Sch made consecutive scores, leaving Turkey somewhat disheartened, as Belgium trailed by 3-11 and called a timeout. After the timeout, Belgium was still under pressure from Germany. Sabali sisters, Satu and Sara, each scored two points from the free throw line, giving Germany a 17-7 lead. At the end of the quarter, Belgium was trailing by 11-25 after being relentlessly attacked by the German duo, the Sabali sisters.

In the second quarter, Belgium’s offense improved, but Germany could respond promptly. After Meesman made a mid-range shot, Belgium narrowed the score to 17-29, prompting Germany to call a timeout. Following the timeout, Germany scored consecutively, resulting in a 7-point run that extended their lead to 36-17. Germany dominated the game, with Belgium trailing by 21-40 and calling another timeout. Germany once had a significant lead of 43-21, bringing the halftime score to 25-46 for Belgium.

In the third quarter, Belgium started with a scoring streak, and after Meesman led a 6-point run, Belgium narrowed the score to 31-46, prompting Germany to call a timeout. After Meesman completed a 2+1 play, Belgium responded with a 11-1 run to close the gap to 36-47. Nialla Sabali promptly scored for Germany, halting their offensive momentum. Germany then responded with a 6-point run, resulting in a 53-36 score, which prompted Belgium to call a timeout. Germany continued to score, leading by 55-36. There was a minor incident where Nialla Sabali was injured by teammate Fibi Sch, leaving the court. At the end of the quarter, Germany led by 60-42.

In the fourth quarter, Belgium finally scored their first three-pointer after 11 attempts, trailing by 47-63. Linsken scored for Germany, leaving Belgium trailing by 49-63. Germany quickly added 5 points, followed by a three-pointer from Belgium, leaving the score at 52-68 for Belgium. Both teams then made three-point shots, with Germany leading 76-56. Germany began controlling the pace with a significant lead, ultimately winning 83-69 over Belgium Women’s Basketball.

Player statistics:

Germany Women’s Basketball: Sara Sabali 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists; Satu Sabali 16 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist; Fibi Sch 16 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 steals; Petersen 15 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal; Bun 11 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist; Gsell-Sold 6 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal; Kili-Gil 2 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals; Wilke 1 assist; Sante-God 2 rebounds, 2 steals;

Belgium Women’s Basketball: Meesman 25 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals; Van Lu 18 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists, 2 steals; Linsken 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal; Mbacke 5 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal; Delaire 3 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal; Ramet 2 points, 3 assists, 1 steal; Messi 2 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists; Munanga 2 points, 1 rebound; Resimont 3 rebounds, 1 steal;

Player rosters:

Germany starters: Fibi Sch, Gsell-Sold, Petersen, N-Sabali, S-Sabali

Belgium starters: Delaire, Linsken, Becci-Meesi, Meesman, Van Lu