TOULOUSE (FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) – In a game featuring two teams already qualified for the quarter-final stages, Belgium prevailed 67-61 to finish Group B with a 4-1 mark.

The two teams came out with different approaches, Australia doing their scoring inside while Belgium fired away from the perimeter, a strategy that worked as they led 19-12 at the end of the first quarter. Heleen Adams had the hot hand, accounting for 11 points.

The Aussies though proved resilient as always and fought back to make it a close game, edging in front 24-23 with five minutes left in the second period. They were up 32-31 at the break.

There was nothing to separate the two teams after the intermission as they traded the lead back and forth and were tied midway through the third period.

Belgium went back in front and took a 51-48 advantage into the final frame and Australia eventually succumbed.

Tayla Roberts had game-highs of 23 points and 14 rebounds in the Aussies’ loss.

Quotes

Daniel Goethas (Belgium head coach): It was a great effort for our team. We knew we didn’t have players as tall as the Australians. We got a great effort from our bench players who made their shots. I knew we had to shoot well because the rebounding battle was not in our favour.

Peter Lonergan (Australia head coach): We knew Belgium are a great team. We have to respect them as vice-European champions. They are well-coached and played together and hard. We can be disappointed but definitely not sad.

FIBA/LOC