Statements and warning shots were fired as the Women’s EuroBasket final four emerged in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
And alongside the semi-finals saw the majority of the European sector of the upcoming Olympic Qualifiers for Paris 2024 confirmed as well.
There is one more spot up for grabs for the Olympic Qualifiers as the four losing sides will battle it out in the 5-8 classification rounds.
Belgium showed no mercy on holders Serbia with a resounding 93-53 success highlighted by a historic triple double from evergreen Emma Meesseman.
Recording the first triple-double in Women’s EuroBasket history, Meesseman went for 15 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, ably supported by Julie Allemand, ash she continued her hot streak in the tournament by dishing out 11 assists, along with 15 points.
Going into game day, this was perhaps the toughest quarter-final tie to call on paper, but Belgium took the sheet and tore it to shreds with an all-round display of sublime team basketball that was a joy to watch unless you were Serbian.
As a result, Serbia – who reached the last eight by narrowly edging a gutsy Great Britain side 66-60 in the quarter-final qualifier – crash out, and leave behind their EuroBasket trophy which will now be lifted by another nation.
Standing between them and a spot in the final will be France, who finally showcased their elite credentials with a 89-46 win over Montenegro.
Unlike Belgium, the French haven’t been convincing in their unbeaten run to the semi-finals but have gutted out wins in the Slovenian capital.
Montenegro came into this match-up with the firm belief that they could continue their run facing a possibly vulnerable side, but they were instead ambushed.
Marieme Badiane had arguably her best game in the French team jersey and finished with 20 points and seven boards, while Marine Fauthoux added 15 points and six assists.
Praise must be heaped on veteran Sandrine Gruda, who poured in 18 points but most importantly, frustrated and shut down Montenegrin star Natasha Mack, who was limited to just four points on 2/8 shooting.
Pre-tournament favourites Spain advanced to the semi-finals as they breezed past Germany 67-42 as a 20-7 first quarter paved the way to victory.
Laura Gill continued her rich vein of form by adding a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Spanish who are still on course to copy their male counterparts and lift the European crown.
They will face surprise package Hungary, who left it super late to beat Czech Republic 62-61 in the game of the day thanks to captain fantastic Debora Dubei.
With three ticks left, Dubei stipped up to drain the biggest shot of her career to add another chapter to the fairytale story and give the Hungarians their first semi-final place since 1997.
