The women’s 5×5 basketball competition will be in full swing when Group C play begins on Monday, July 29. Germany meets Belgium at 7:30 a.m. ET (Peacock), while Team USA takes on Japan at 2:45 p.m. ET (USA Network).
Can Saballys, Germany slow Meesseman, Belgium?
While the absence of Julie Allemand weakens a Belgium squad hopeful for its first women’s basketball medal, the Cats enter their first game of the 2024 Olympics with several distinct advantages. Lille, the host city for the group play games, is located near the France-Belgium border, so Belgium may enjoy the support of fans who cross the border to see captain Emma Meesseman and company. And although this is only the second Olympic appearance for Belgium, it is Germany’s Olympic debut, suggesting Belgium will be better prepared to manage the emotions that come with playing on the Olympic stage for the first time.
Even without Allemand, Belgium has on-court advantages as well. The 2019 WNBA Finals MVP with the Washington Mystics, Meesseman is an experienced…
