Olympic Women’s Basketball Report: Meesseman + Belgium Defeat Spain to Advance to the Semifinals

On August 7, in the Olympic women’s basketball quarterfinals, Spain faced off against Belgium.

Game Report

In the first quarter, Meesseman hit consecutive three-pointers to start the game, while Lamiite scored on a drive, giving Belgium an 8-2 lead. Gil scored in the paint, and Linkeens followed with a basket. Vanloo nailed a three-pointer, Gustavsson responded with a three of her own, Linkeens scored in the paint, and Rodriguez countered. Belgium led 15-10. Deleire hit a mid-range shot, Casasora sank a three-pointer, Meesseman scored in the paint, and Conde replied with a three. Vanloo and Casasora each hit a three-pointer. Meesseman and Deleire combined for five points, while Spain scored five points in the closing moments, with Gustavsson hitting a buzzer-beating three-pointer. At the end of the first quarter, both teams were tied at 26.

In the second quarter, Gustavsson hit another three-pointer, allowing Spain to take the lead! Messi scored in the paint, and Meesseman also scored on a drive. Linkeens made two free throws after drawing a foul, and Ortiz scored on a strong move. Meesseman continued to score, and Linkeens completed a 2+1 play, putting Belgium ahead 36-32. Lamiite and Linkeens added another five points, while Spain went through a long scoring drought. Linkeens scored in the paint again! Belgium extended their lead to double digits, 44-32. Casasora hit a three-pointer to stop the bleeding, Deleire scored four points in a row, and Gustavsson scored off the glass. At halftime, Belgium led 48-37.

In the third quarter, Linkeens scored on a mid-range shot, while Gustavsson responded in the paint. Deleire and Lamiite combined for five points, Linkeens scored on a strong move, and Vanloo hit a long two-pointer. Belgium went on an offensive surge and led 59-39. Ortiz hit a mid-range shot to stop the bleeding, Deleire scored in the paint again, and Linkeens continued to be unstoppable, scoring more points. The lead had grown to 22 points. Ortiz scored on a putback to finally stop the bleeding, Gil made two free throws, Paula hit a mid-range shot, and Spain scored seven points in a row. In the final moments, Vanloo hit a three-pointer, and Casas hit a buzzer-beater. After three quarters, Belgium led 67-49.

In the fourth quarter, Joris scored in the paint, reducing the deficit to 20 points. Subsequently, both teams played somewhat chaotically, experiencing long scoring droughts, with Belgium leading 69-49. Meesseman made two free throws after drawing a foul, and Gil scored on a putback. Casasora scored on a drive, and Spain went on a run, reducing the deficit to 11 points. Vanloo hit a clutch three-pointer, and Belgium scored five points in a row, once again extending their lead. Although Spain tried to close the gap, Meesseman dominated in the paint, and Spain was unable to mount a comeback.

Belgium ultimately defeated Spain 79-66, advancing to the semifinals.

Player Statistics

Spain women’s basketball team: Gustavsson 21 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal; Casasora 13 points, 2 assists; Ortiz 9 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists; Gil 6 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; Torrens 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals; Conde 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal; Villarroya 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Rodriguez 2 points, 2 assists; Casas 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals; Jinzo 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal; Araujo 3 rebounds, 2 assists;

Belgium women’s basketball team: Meesseman 19 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals; Linkeens 19 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals; Vanloo 13 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal; Deleire 13 points, 1 rebound, 7 assists; Lamiite 8 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, 1 steal; Leysmont 3 points, 1 rebound; Joris 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals; Messi 2 points, 3 rebounds; Mbacke 4 rebounds, 1 assist; Claeysens 2 rebounds; Maex 1 steal;

Starting Lineups

Spain: Casasora, Conde, Gil, Gustavsson, Rodriguez

Belgium: Deleire, Linkeens, Meesseman, Lamiite, Vanloo