VIDNOJE (FIBA U21 World Championship for Women) – Belgium went on an 8-0 run late in the fourth quarter to pull away from Canada and clinch fifth place at the FIBA U21 World Championship for Women.

In a thoroughly entertaining game, the lead exchanged hands frequently in the second half, with all still to play for 3:40 from the end after Canada’s Alisha Tatham’s jump shot tied the contest at 62-62.

Sara Leemans replied for Belgium with a pair of free throws after a foul by Natalie Doma, and following a Leanne Evans miss from the floor for Canada, Virginie Michiels buried a jumper for a 66-62 Belgian lead.

Canada then twice turned the ball over, and the Europeans eventually scored again, Marjorie Carpreaux sinking a pair of free throws for a 68-62 lead with 1:54 to go.

Ellen Lauwers added another lay-up for a 70-62 lead after receiving a pass from Carpreaux and Belgium were on their way to victory.

That basket gave Carpreaux her 10th assist of the game.

Sofie Hendrickx led the Belgians with 19 points and Leemans added 15, while for Canada Kalisha Keane had a game-high 22.

FIBA