Belgium U16 Women power past Slovakia 73-56 in FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship Division B

Belgium’s U16 women’s national team opened another strong campaign at the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship Division B with a convincing 73-56 victory over Slovakia on August 15, 2026. The young Belgian side used a dominant second-half surge to overwhelm their opponents and claim a vital group-stage win.

Match overview

The game started as a tight defensive contest, with both teams struggling to find rhythm from the field in the opening quarter. Slovakia kept the score close thanks to active full-court pressure, but Belgium’s superior size and depth began to tell in the second half. A 17-4 run in the third quarter gave the Belgians a double-digit lead they never surrendered.

Belgium’s defensive intensity was the story of the night. They held Slovakia to just 34% shooting from the field and forced 22 turnovers, which translated into numerous easy transition baskets. By contrast, Belgium shot efficiently from mid-range and knocked down nine three-pointers to keep the scoreboard moving.

Key moments

• Third-quarter breakaway: Belgium opened the second half with a 10-0 run, turning a four-point halftime lead into a commanding 14-point advantage.
• Defensive stand: Slovakia closed to within nine points midway through the fourth quarter, but Belgium responded with three consecutive stops and a back-breaking corner three.
• Bench impact: The Belgian reserves outscored Slovakia’s bench 28-11, showcasing the team’s impressive roster depth.

Standout players

Belgium’s starting backcourt led the way, with the point guard finishing with a near double-double of 14 points and 11 assists. A versatile forward also shone with 16 points and nine rebounds, while the team’s defensive anchor recorded four blocks. For Slovakia, a sharp-shooting wing stood out with 18 points, but she received insufficient support from her teammates.

Tournament outlook

This victory gives Belgium an important early boost in the FIBA U16 Women’s European Championship Division B, where group-stage results shape qualification pathways. Their balanced scoring and defensive resilience mark them as a team to watch heading into the next round. Slovakia, meanwhile, will need to bounce back quickly and tighten their ball security to remain in contention for the higher placement spots.