One point. That's all that separated our young Cats from Italy at the U18 EuroBasket, with Belgium U18 Women holding on for a 63-62 win in a game that swung back and forth nine times before the final whistle. Italy controlled the opening quarter, building a lead as large as 11 (15-4), but our Cats clawed back steadily. Belgium trailed 27-29 at halftime, then took the game by the scruff in the third. A devastating 12-0 run — from 34-32 down to 34-44 up — put our side in front by 10 heading into the fourth. Italy, though, would not fold. The Italians scored 20 points in the final quarter to force a one-possession finish, but Belgium's defense held just long enough. Laura Vilcinskas was immovable in the paint: 18 points on 5-9 shooting, 9 rebounds and a game-high 5 blocks. Annie Kibedi ran the offense with 16 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds, her court vision the difference when Italy tightened the screws late. Francesca Baldassarre led Italy with 22 points (4-9 from three), but it was not enough. This is what U18 basketball looks like — tight, urgent, decided by inches. Our Cats face the next test knowing that margins this thin demand precision. #FIBA U18EuroBasket #BelgiumWBB #YellowRedsCats #U18Women #EuroBasket #BEL