The gap passes 20 points from the start after another two points in transition from the Aussies (37-58). The Cats have lost their basketball and seem resigned. The Australians are having fun and allowing themselves to spin, so that everyone can enjoy. The absence of Emma Meesseman is felt and Belgium does not measure up. The scorer is 48-72 at the end of the third quarter.
The Cats still show character at the start of the last quarter and come back to 16 points 7 minutes 30 from the end of the match (56-72) after inflicting an 8-0 on the Australians. But this surge of pride comes too late. The gap is too big and the Australians recover in stride to increase the gap to 20 points after the shot behind the arc of George. The end of the game is more open and the Cats start to line up the baskets but that does not prevent the 69-86 defeat.
Out of shot (14/37) and completely overwhelmed in rebounds (23 against 48 for Australia), Belgium will not have made the weight in this quarter-final. The absence of Emma Meesseman will necessarily have weighed in the balance even if four Cats finish with more than ten points (GermanVanloo, Ben Adbelkader et Linskens). Australia therefore continue their journey at home and will face China in the semi-finals.
