FIBA Women’s World Cup: Meesseman’s Record 27 Points Powers Belgium Past Turkey
BERLIN—Emma Meesseman delivered a masterclass performance as the Belgian Cats overturned a halftime deficit to defeat Turkey 89-75 in their FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup opener at the Max-Schmeling-Halle.
Meesseman broke the Belgian World Cup scoring record, racking up 27 points, nine rebounds, and five assists to earn player-of-the-game honours.
The victory solidifies Belgium’s status as a tournament heavyweight, while Turkey proved they can compete with the world’s elite despite the opening loss.
Third-Quarter Blitz Decides the Opener
The match lived up to the pre-game hype, with atmospheric crowds from both nations gathering outside the arena before tip-off. In the first half, Belgium took a slim 26-24 lead in the first quarter, but Turkey roared back.
Driven by strong performances from Goksen Fitik and Sevgi Uzun, Turkey capitalized on defensive stops to edge ahead 45-44 at halftime.
The back-to-back European champions adjusted their game plan during the break. Belgium smothered Turkey defensively in the third quarter, outscoring them 27-9 to build a commanding 71-54 lead that Turkey could not recover from.
A passionate sports journalist with a sharp eye for the stories behind the scores, bringing energy, insight, and accuracy to every report. Experienced in covering games, athletes, and sporting events while capturing the moments that keep fans engaged. Dedicated to delivering compelling sports content across digital and traditional platforms.
