Belgium Women produced a commanding 93-78 victory over Sweden Women in a European Women’s Basketball Championship qualifier on Friday, November 13, 2026. Belgium controlled the game from the opening quarter, built a double-digit halftime lead and answered every Swedish run with composed offense to secure a convincing home result.
Match overview
Belgium set the tone with a 24-18 first quarter, attacking early in the shot clock and moving the ball sharply against Sweden’s half-court defense. The second quarter was even more emphatic: Belgium added 24 points while holding Sweden to 18, taking a 48-36 lead into the break.
Sweden showed more fight after halftime and briefly cut the deficit to ten points in the third quarter, but Belgium responded with a quick 8-0 run to restore control. The final quarter was played at a comfortable pace for the hosts, who closed out the win at 93-78.
- First quarter: Belgium 24-18
- Half-time: Belgium 48-36
- Third quarter: Belgium 71-55
- Final score: Belgium Women 93-78 Sweden Women
Key moments
The decisive stretch came midway through the second quarter. Belgium turned a six-point lead into a 15-point advantage with a 12-0 run powered by backcourt pressure, two transition baskets and a three-pointer from the top of the key. Sweden called timeout, but the hosts had already seized the momentum.
Sweden’s best spell came early in the third quarter, when they attacked the paint and forced Belgium into two quick fouls. The lead fell to 54-44, but Belgium’s response was immediate: a corner three, a steal and a layup pushed the margin back to 15 and killed Sweden’s comeback.
Tactical story
Belgium’s offense was balanced and efficient. They shared the ball well, attacked closeouts and consistently found the extra pass against Sweden’s rotating defense. The hosts also dominated the defensive glass, limiting Sweden’s second-chance points and allowing their guards to push the pace.
Sweden’s half-court offense was at its best when their forwards attacked off the dribble, but they struggled with turnovers against Belgium’s switching pressure. Too many possessions ended with contested mid-range jumpers, and Belgium’s transition game turned those misses into easy points.
Standout performers
Belgium’s starting guard led the attack with 21 points and seven assists, repeatedly breaking down Sweden’s first line of defense. A versatile forward added 17 points and eight rebounds, while the bench contributed important minutes in the second and fourth quarters.
Sweden’s leading scorer finished with 18 points and kept working until the final whistle, but the visitors lacked the same depth of scoring. Their center battled on the boards, yet Belgium’s collective rebounding effort was stronger over four quarters.
Qualification impact
The win strengthens Belgium’s position in the qualifying group and gives them confidence ahead of the next international window. Sweden will need to regroup quickly, particularly on the defensive end, where the 93-point concession will be a concern. For Belgium, the performance was a statement of depth, execution and control.