This Is Basketball

Rotterdam City Basketball held off CB Liège to move to 2-3 this season, but it took a late stand to secure the six-point win. The hosts led wire-to-wire and built a 24-point cushion early in the third quarter at 57-33, yet Liège's fourth-quarter surge nearly undid all that work. The visitors clawed back with an 11-0 run mid-fourth that pulled them to within 11 at 76-65. A late rally left it one possession inside the final two minutes, but Rotterdam City Basketball held firm to close out 91-85. Rotterdam City Basketball's ball movement set the tone early. Isaiah Gaines was unstoppable in the paint, finishing 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting with eight rebounds. Alonso Meana added 16 points, six assists and a perfect 4-for-4 from the line, while Marcus Tomashek contributed 16 points and four three-pointers off the bench. For Liège, Mathis Bizimana (23 PTS, 9-13 FG) and Clément Matisse (23 PTS, 10-16 FG) kept them competitive in the second half, supported by Kylen Milton's eight assists. It was not enough to overturn the 19-point halftime deficit. Liège remain winless at 0-5. Rotterdam City Basketball travel to Val-Dieu Spirou Basket on Thursday 5 November.

Eric Boone Jr. has found his rhythm in recent weeks: 11.8 points and 5.2 assists per game on a 57.8 TIB Efficiency rating. Douglas Konieczny Jr., meanwhile, is putting up 18.6 PPG for Val-Dieu Spirou Basket (56.9 EFF), though the assist column stays empty — he is scoring in volume, not orchestrating. The gap between them is narrow by our metrics, but the shape of their games is entirely different. Boone runs the floor and threads passes; Konieczny hunts buckets. When Brussels Basketball and Val-Dieu Spirou Basket meet in the BNXT League, that contrast will matter. Watch how each team's identity flows through its lead man — and whether one approach bends the other out of shape. Tip-off is in three hours.

Basket Sijsele's unbeaten run continues in Group B, but BC Sprimont's came to an end. The hosts held on for an 82–71 win, their sixth straight victory and second in the Top Division Men 2 campaign, while Sprimont tasted defeat for the first time this season after five consecutive wins. Sijsele built the match on a dominant second quarter. After winning the opening frame 22–18, they outscored Sprimont 28–13 in the second to reach half-time up by 19 at 50–31. A 10–0 run midway through the first had already signalled their intent, and they stretched that lead to as much as 19 with 01:35 left in the second before the interval. Sprimont mounted a third-quarter response, winning that frame 25–16 to cut the gap to 10 by the final break. But Sijsele held firm down the stretch, edging the fourth quarter 16–15 to seal it. J'Nathan Bullock anchored Sijsele with a double-double of 27 points and 15 rebounds on 8/16 shooting, while Thomas Delaplace contributed 16 points on efficient 4/5 three-point shooting. For Sprimont, Pierrick Van Den Brule posted 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Jérome Giebens added 14 points, but neither could tilt the balance. Sijsele host Ninane Promotion this Saturday; Sprimont travel to AB InBev Leuven Bears B the same day.

Brussels Basketball's perfect start continues—four wins in four games after dismantling Landstede Hammers Zwolle 89-65, a 24-point margin that told the entire story of a team hitting its stride. The contest stayed tight early. Landstede led 23-19 after the first quarter and stretched that to 8 points in the opening minutes of the second, but Brussels clawed back to level at 39-39 by half-time. The third quarter proved decisive: Brussels outscored Landstede 28-14, building a 14-point cushion heading into the final frame. A devastating 9-0 run midway through the fourth—from 62-76 to 62-85—put the game beyond reach. Landstede managed only 12 points in that quarter to Brussels' 22, leaving no doubt about who controlled the tempo and the margin down the stretch. Louis Hazard anchored the effort with 11 points and 10 rebounds (double-double), while Eric Boone Jr. distributed 7 assists alongside 11 points. Jared Kimbrough added 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting. For Landstede, Sam Van Oostrum led with 16 points on efficient 5-of-10 shooting, and Trae Taylor was perfect from the field at 6-of-6, yet even their efforts couldn't slow Brussels' third-quarter onslaught. Landstede drop to 2-2 and host House of Talents Spurs Kortrijk on Sunday 1 November. Brussels remain unbeaten and unwind against Val-Dieu Spirou Basket on Friday 30 October.

Eric Boone Jr. is running the show in Brussels right now: 61.4 efficiency rating over recent weeks, 12 points and 4.8 assists per game, the kind of floor general work that has the Belgian capital's offense humming. Boyd Van Der Vuurst isn't far behind — 49.4 rating of his own, 12.8 points and 6.3 dimes for Landstede Hammers Zwolle — but Boone has the edge in rhythm and control heading into this BNXT League matchup. The real story is what happens when two well-run offenses collide. Both guards have proved they can run their teams' pace and pick apart defenses, not just score. Van Der Vuurst distributes freely from the Zwolle backcourt; Boone orchestrates Brussels' flow with a sharper efficiency rating that suggests he's getting his own and everyone else right. Watch how Boone uses his current form to dictate tempo early. Watch whether Van Der Vuurst can match that ball security and tempo control, or if Brussels' rhythm pulls away. Tip-off is in three hours.

Windrose Giants Antwerp's fourth straight win was never in doubt. The hosts controlled this one from the opening tip, leading 31–16 after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 24 by half-time at 59–35. A 13-0 run midway through the second quarter proved decisive, and even though Mechelen matched Antwerp's scoring in the third at 26–26 apiece, the damage was already done. By the final moments—up 37 with 01:41 left—this had turned into a statement. Windrose Giants Antwerp finish 4–0 and remain unbeaten; Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen drop to 2–2. Cesare Edwards led the hosts with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds on efficient shooting (6/7 FG, 2/2 from three), while Enoch Cheeks added 17 points and Kevin Tumba chipped in 15 on perfect 4/4 from the field. Max Klesmit's 18 points and four steals kept Mechelen competitive in spurts, but his 6/16 shooting told the wider story: Antwerp's defence smothered the visitors' rhythm all night. Next up: Windrose Giants Antwerp host Hubo Limburg United on Saturday 31 October.

J'Nathan Bullock posted 27 points and 15 rebounds as Basket Sijsele edged BC Sprimont 82–71 at home in Group B play. The forward shot 8 of 16 from the field, made both his three-point attempts, and added 4 steals across 31 minutes — a comprehensive performance that anchored a 11-point win. Bullock also drew 9 free throws, converting 9 of 17, though a pair of turnovers and three fouls kept his night from running entirely clean. His rebounding work, paired with 3 assists, gave Sijsele the edge in control when it mattered most.

Sebastian Thomas carried AB InBev Leuven Bears to a 67–64 home win over ZZ Leiden, posting 26 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals across 35 minutes. He shot 11 of 21 from the field and 2 of 4 at the free-throw line, adding a pair of three-pointers in a performance anchored by volume and efficiency down the stretch. The margin was razor-thin. Leiden pressed through the second half and had every chance to steal it, but Thomas's mid-range game and willingness to operate off the glass gave Leuven enough separation in the final minutes. He did not force the issue—just one turnover in 35 minutes speaks to decision-making under pressure. Two steals and solid floor time without fouling out (2 fouls) rounded out a workmanlike night. This is the kind of individual performance that wins tight league games: not flashy, but sound.

AB InBev Leuven Bears survived a late scare to edge ZZ Leiden 67–64, holding on through a chess match that swung back and forth six times before settling on a three-point margin. The sides were locked level at 11–11 after one quarter and remained tied at 25–25 at half-time, but Leiden seized control early in the third, leading by as many as eight midway through the frame. That advantage lasted only so long. Leuven clawed back with an 11-0 run mid-way through the fourth to flip it to a 61–54 lead with just over two minutes left, then weathered a final push that left the result in doubt until the buzzer. Sebastian Thomas carried the load for Leuven with 26 points on 11-of-21 shooting, adding 8 rebounds and 2 steals to guide his side to 3–1 in the BNXT League regular season. Roel Bucumi contributed 12 points, though he struggled from range (2-of-8 from three). For Leiden, now 2–2, Nik Graves posted 19 points and 8 rebounds on 7-of-16 shooting, while Touko Tainamo was a force on the glass with 9 rebounds in a supporting role (11 points, 5-of-9 from the field). Leuven travel to Coretec Oostende on Saturday; Leiden host Donar Groningen the same evening.

Sebastian Thomas has been the engine for AB InBev Leuven Bears in recent weeks: 20.8 points and 5 assists per game, with a 53 TIB EFF that sits well clear of the BNXT League field. Tonight, he faces a ZZ Leiden side built around Anias Futrell's steadier offensive diet — 15.7 PPG on a 43.5 rating, but a playmaking load (1 APG) that tells you Leiden's ball-moving burden falls elsewhere. The gap in those numbers is real. Thomas has been running hot. Futrell is efficient in a narrower role. That asymmetry — one player tasked with volume and creation, the other a high-percentage scorer in a structured offense — will shape how this one flows. Both clubs need a win. Tip-off is in three hours. Catch it live.

Max Klesmit has been the engine of Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen's offence in recent weeks — 25 points and 4 assists per game — and he'll face his stiffest test tonight against Enoch Cheeks, who has quietly become Windrose Giants Antwerp's most efficient player. Cheeks is averaging 19.5 points and 2.2 assists (74.1 TIB EFF), numbers that land him at the top of Antwerp's efficiency rankings, and the Mechelen backcourt will need to manage his scoring without overextending defensively. Klesmit's playmaking — four assists a night — will be crucial if Mechelen wants to force Antwerp into transition defence. Cheeks, though, thrives in those conditions and has the size to defend multiple positions. The real contest may hinge on tempo: Mechelen will want pace; Antwerp will be looking to grind it down and get Cheeks his looks in flow. Tip-off in just over three hours. Worth staying locked in for this one.

Val-Dieu Spirou Basket's two-game winning run came to an end in a hard-fought BNXT League contest, as Coretec Oostende held on for a 70–65 victory. The result leaves both sides at 2–2 in the regular season, with the win marking Oostende's turnaround after an opening 1–2 start. Back-and-forth throughout, the game featured six lead changes and four ties. Val-Dieu Spirou Basket controlled the opening quarter, winning 21–14, but Coretec Oostende clawed back in the second to trail by just one at half-time, 33–32. The third quarter belonged entirely to Oostende, who outscored Val-Dieu Spirou Basket 23–12 to build a 10-point lead—including a decisive 10–0 run mid-quarter—and took a 55–45 advantage into the final frame. Val-Dieu Spirou Basket mounted a fourth-quarter response, winning that period 20–15, but it proved too little; the game remained a one-possession affair inside the final two minutes before Oostende closed it out. Adam Miller led Coretec Oostende with 16 points on efficient shooting (5/10 FG, 3/4 from three), while Stéphan Dibongue Swenson added 11 points on 4/5 from the floor, also 3/4 from deep. For Val-Dieu Spirou Basket, Joshua Heath and Douglas Konieczny Jr. each finished with 13 points, though Heath struggled with his shot (4/14 FG). Val-Dieu Spirou Basket travel to Brussels Basketball on Friday 30 October, while Coretec Oostende host AB InBev Leuven Bears on Saturday 31 October.

Breein Tyree (19 Punkte, 5 Rebounds, 2 Assists) war die stützende Kraft, die Paok zum 87:78-Sieg gegen ratiopharm Ulm brauchte. In 24 Minuten traf der Guard 6 von 12 Würfen aus dem Feld und verwandelte 7 von 9 Freiwürfe – eine Quote von 78 Prozent an der Linie, die in der Schlussphase zählte. Mit nur zwei Dreiern versucht und keinem getroffen spielte Tyree eine Partie im Rhythmus der Partie, konzentrierte sich auf effiziente Penetration und Floater-Würfe. Zwei Turnover und zwei Fouls bei minimaler Belastung sprachen für eine kontrollierte Leistung. Ulm hielt lange dagegen, aber der Neun-Punkte-Vorsprung beim Schlusssignal war breit genug. Tyrees Effizienz in dieser EuroCup-Partie war präzise das, was Paok in der Saisonphase brauchte.

NINERS Chemnitz haben Slask Wroclaw in der EuroCup-Gruppenphase mit 95:67 deutlich dominiert. Ein 28-Punkte-Sieg, der keinen Zweifel an der Überlegenheit der Sachsen ließ. Nach ausgeglichenem ersten Viertel – Wroclaw lag mit 21:20 vorne – drehte Chemnitz das Spiel. Mit einem 26:19-Lauf im zweiten Durchgang übernahmen die Gastgeber die Kontrolle und gingen mit 46:40 in die Pause. Im dritten Viertel setzten sie sich weiter ab (70:60 nach drei Spielabschnitten), bevor der vierte Durchgang zur reinen Formalität wurde. Ein erschütterndes 25:7 im Schlussviertel besiegelte den Sieg endgültig. Cobe Williams führte Chemnitz mit 21 Punkten (7/15 FG, 4/10 Dreier) an, flankiert von Ben Burnham, der 16 Punkte, 5 Rebounds und 2 Steals beisteuerte. Nighael Ceaser sorgte mit 12 Punkten und 10 Rebounds (Double-Double) für Stabilität im Spiel. Bei Wroclaw reichten die starken Leistungen von Devin Robinson (17 PTS, 8/11 FG) und Paul Scruggs (17 PTS, 3 BLK) nicht aus. Malik Parsons trug 14 Punkte bei, doch die Defensive Wrocslaws kollabierte in entscheidenden Phasen. Chemnitz' dritter Sieg in Folge katapultiert die Mannschaft auf 3-1 in der Gruppenphase. Wroclaw bleibt bei 1-3 und muss die Niederlage schnell abhaken. Nächster Gegner für Chemnitz ist Bourg am Mittwoch, 28. Oktober.

Paok sichert sich einen Sieg im EuroCup-Duell gegen ratiopharm ulm mit 87:78 und bewahrt damit die makellosen Heimaussichten. Nach ausgeglichener Anfangsphase – ratiopharm ulm führte nach dem ersten Viertel 20:19 – übernahm Paok die Kontrolle. Ein starkes zweites Quartal (27:22) brachte die Griechen mit 46:42 in die Pause. Das dritte Viertel gestaltete sich ausgeglichen (13:13), Paok behielt einen knappen Vierpunkt-Vorsprung (59:55). Im entscheidenden Schlussabschnitt zog Paok davon: 28:23 im vierten Quartal bedeutete den finalen Neun-Punkte-Sieg. ratiopharm ulm ließ sich nicht ohne Gegenwehr abschütteln, doch die fehlende Effizienz in der Endphase – vor allem vom Feld – machte den Unterschied aus. Cedi Osman prägte das Spiel mit 21 Punkten, getragen von einer starken Freiwurfquote (11/16). Breein Tyree trug 19 Punkte bei (6/12 FG), während Marcus Foster zehn Punkte hinzufügte. Bei ratiopharm ulm führte Jaylen Sims mit 17 Punkten an, Adam Atamna glänzte mit einer perfekten Dreierquote (3/3), und Ibi Watson verteilte fünf Assists. Mit diesem Sieg verbessert sich Paok auf 3:1 in der Saison, ratiopharm ulm fällt auf 2:2 zurück. Am Dienstagabend besucht Paok Bahcesehir Koleji Istanbul – eine schnelle Rückkehr ins Spielgeschehen erwartet die Griechen.

Zachary Anderson carried Bristol Flyers over the line with clinical efficiency: 16 points from 7 of 10 shooting, 3 assists and a clean sheet on turnovers and fouls across 30 minutes. It was exactly the kind of composed performance a one-point win demands. Liverpool Basketball pressed hard enough to force that single-point margin, but Anderson's accuracy — particularly his decision-making when not forcing shots — tilted the balance. He connected on 2 of 5 three-pointers and stayed out of foul trouble in a game where discipline mattered. His rebounds and steals did not register, but that was not what Bristol needed; they needed someone to move the ball and score without waste. The win keeps Bristol's bid on track in the regular season. Liverpool will rue the narrow defeat, but Anderson's steadiness in the final frame was the difference.

Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen never trailed, holding command throughout a methodical 96–78 victory over CB Liège in BNXT League play. The home side built early momentum — up 24–21 after one quarter — then turned up the pressure midway through the second, ripping off a 9-0 run to extend their lead to 49–35. By half-time, Mechelen held a comfortable 16-point edge at 57–41. Liège offered resistance in the third quarter, outscoring their hosts 20–19 to trim the margin to 15 heading into the final frame. But Mechelen had more than enough. A 20–17 fourth quarter sealed the rout; late in the period, with 45 seconds left, the lead swelled to 20 points at 96–76. Max Klesmit orchestrated the win with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists on 6-of-19 shooting. Jalen Hampton added 16 points and 9 rebounds (4/8 FG, 7/10 FT), while Davids Viksne chipped in 14 on an efficient 6-of-10. For Liège, Maxime Bilolo Katuala was nearly unstoppable with 22 points and 6 rebounds on 9-of-11 shooting, but it amounted to a lone bright spot in a third straight defeat. Sai Witt (16 PTS, 13 REB) and Kylen Milton (16 PTS) could not drag Liège level. Mechelen improve to 2–1; Liège remain winless at 0–3. Mechelen visit Windorse Giants Antwerp on Saturday.

Enoch Cheeks put Windrose Giants Antwerp on rails early, finishing with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 22 minutes as the visitors dismantled Heroes Den Bosch 125–86. The guard made 7 of 10 field goals, including 4 of 7 from three, and was perfect from the free-throw line at 7 of 7. It was efficient basketball in the cleanest sense: high volume, high accuracy, minimal waste. One turnover in a 39-point road win speaks to a performance where Antwerp's spacing and movement overwhelmed their opponent's defence from the opening tip. Den Bosch had no answer for Windrose's pace and shot-making. The 39-point margin was emphatic, and Cheeks' early heat—combined with the bench and role players running in rhythm—turned what could have been competitive into a rout by halftime. Antwerp visit their next assignment looking to stay sharp; Den Bosch will need to rebuild quickly. #BNXTLeague #WindroseGiantsAntwerp #HeroesDenBosch #Belgian Basketball

House of Talents Spurs Kortrijk clawed back from 11 points down to nearly steal this one, but AB InBev Leuven Bears held firm in the final moments to win a tight finish, 72–69. The Bears move to 2–1 in league play; Kortrijk fall to 0–3, still winless after three straight defeats. Kortrijk came out sharp, winning the opening quarter 22–16 to build an early cushion. The Bears answered hard in the second, rattling off an 11–0 run midway through the quarter and surging to a 38–27 lead with 3:44 left in the half. That burst sent them into halftime ahead 42–35, but Kortrijk regrouped. The Spurs dominated the third quarter, outscoring Leuven 23–12 to flip the script and lead 58–54 entering the fourth. The final quarter stayed fractured throughout. Leuven pulled away in the fourth 18–11, but Kortrijk stayed within one possession until the end. Neither side could build separation; five ties and three lead changes kept the outcome uncertain until the final buzzer. Bine Prepelic led the Bears with 17 points on efficient 7–8 shooting, adding 9 rebounds. Roel Bucumi chipped in 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists on 4–9 from the floor, while Sebastian Thomas orchestrated from the backcourt with 14 points and 8 assists despite rough 5–16 shooting. Amin Adamu paced Kortrijk's comeback with 15 points, though his 4–12 accuracy limited his impact. Bram Bogaerts was sharper, 5–7 from the field for 11 points. Leuven host ZZ Leiden on Saturday; Kortrijk travel to face Hubo Limburg United on Friday.

🏀 Final: Heroes Den Bosch 86–125 Windrose Giants Antwerp. Top scorers: Heroes Den Bosch: Alex Hunter 20 PTS · Windrose Giants Antwerp: Enoch Cheeks 25 PTS.