A day after the narrow defeat to Montenegro, the Belgian Lions faced the toughest piece on paper in this European tournament, with Spain the world champion.
The Spaniards convincingly won their first two games and, despite the absentee streak, they can still count on plenty of toppers in the strong La Liga, and with the Hernangomez brothers, also on a tandem from the NBA.
But the majestic Belgium was not affected by the world champion. Relying on a solid defense and team attack, the Lions already gave a foretaste of what stunt was coming in the first quarter: 11-15.
However, things seemed to be going in the wrong direction for a while in the second quarter. Belgium suddenly failed to score and Spain went out thanks to 10-0. But the Belgian Lions showed mental toughness and made their way back into the match thanks to their rebounding dominance. In the first half (33-32), anything was still possible.
Those who expected a Spanish storm in the second half were disappointed. The tactical plan of the Belgians was perfect and the world champion only occasionally found an answer for the excellent defense of the lions.
They had an answer for every Spanish average race and top scorer Lecomte led them to the stunt of this European Championship. Baku was allowed to sink the final score 73-83 on the board, a victory that opens the door wide for Belgium towards the next round.
Belgium: Lecomte 20, Gillet 14, Obasohan 11, Bako 10, Vanwijn 8, Mwema 6, Tabu 6, Bleijenbergh 3, De Zeeuw 2, Libert 2, Tumba 1. Bratanovic did not play.
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