Belgium Win Low Countries Battle

Antonia Delaere and Belgium signed off their campaign with a win over neighbours Netherlands

Belgium left it late but won a game in the EuroBasket Women Qualification Round on Saturday.

Taking on their Low Countries rivals, the Belgians beat the Netherlands 72-61 in Group C.

Down 50-41 midway through the third quarter, Belgium shifted into a higher gear.

Noemie Mayombo scored to spark a 12-0 for the home side.

Taking a 53-52 lead to the last quarter, Antonia Delaere, Belgium's 17-year-old shooting guard, drilled a three-ball.

The hosts went on to outscore the Dutch 19-9 for an 11-point win.

Laurence Van Malderen and Mayombo had 13 points apiece for Belgium while Naomi Halman poured in 16 for the Netherlands, who finished 2-6 in Group C.

Quotes Belgium vs. Netherlands

Netherlands head coach Meindert Van Veen
"For 25 minutes we controlled the game. Following the injury of Tanya Bröring we lost control and had no more reaction against Belgium with 3 point shots."

Belgium head coach Benny Mertens
"After 7 games we lost, I'm so pleased with this win against Holland for my young team.  The team worked very hard, made progress in defensive and offensive play.  We're making progress."

Netherlands player Tanya Bröring
"We had no reaction when Belgium played more agressive in the second half."

Belgium player Laurence Van Malderen
"The last two games we followed better the instructions of the coaching staff.  We believed in our changes and took over the game in the second half.  We were better organised in defense and scored more than 70 points. It's a good feeling to finalize this campaign. I'm confident fot the next steps with this young team."