Belgium's young Cats held off a late Finnish surge to secure a four-point win in a back-and-forth FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket contest. Wire-to-wire control proved decisive, even as the final quarter threatened to undo the work done earlier. The gap widened in the first half. Belgium built a 15-point lead at its peak (36-21) and took a comfortable 40-32 margin into the break. Finland tightened things considerably after the interval — outscoring the Cats 20-12 in the fourth quarter, including an 8-0 run that cut the deficit to a single possession with under two minutes left. Too little, too late: Belgium's foundation held. Aurelie Vanderstraeten was the engine, pouring in 26 points to carry the offensive load. Annie Kibedi orchestrated from the floor with 9 points and 7 assists, while Romane Kirsch added 10. For Finland, Anna Gardziella's all-around game (17 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST) kept her side competitive, but it wasn't quite enough. Sweden awaits next Sunday. Another group-play test in what remains a tightly contested tournament.