SOFIA (Bulgaria) - The excitement levels are being turned up to max at the FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket 2024, Division B after a quartet of nations safely rode their way into the Semi-Finals.
Belgium rejoiced at their unbeaten streak being extended to a fabulous six wins as they signed off on their Qualifying Round campaign with an entertaining 70-62 derby success against Netherlands.
Nastja Claessens showed yet again why she has represented the senior Cats' side previously with another towering effort of 20 points and 14 rebounds. There was also a classy 21 points and 8 boards from frontcourt partner Sam Daelemans.
While disappointed with the loss, Netherlands can gain some satisfaction from still progressing and their promotion dream still being very much alive.
Belgium will face Iceland in the last four of the competition, after they jumped through with their first Qualifying Round success which helped them come out on top in a three-way tie.
They also showed that they might be able to make life difficult for Saturday's opponents after blasting past Ireland 88-45. Eva Eliasdottir was sensational with 21 points and 8 rebounds, as was Agnes Svansdottir who netted 26 points, 6 boards and 4 assists.
Czechia will play Netherlands in the other Semi-Final after they confirmed their status as the only other unbeaten team alongside Belgium. They are also looking like strong contenders to win the competition.
Ukraine had no answer as Czechia showed their teeth in a one-sided 87-52 win to move to an overall tournament record of 6-0. Aneta Kytlicova top-scored with 16 points.
Promotion to the top tier will be confirmed for whichever teams make Sunday's Final. However, a third promotion ticket will only be guaranteed if pre-confirmed 2025 Division A hosts Portugal avoid finishing in the bottom three at this year's edition.
If they do finish in the bottom three spots, then only two teams will gain promotion to Division A.
Semi-Finals (Saturday July 13) Czechia vs Netherlands Belgium vs Iceland
FIBA