Last Round Review
Presented by Job Market
The biggest surprise of round 10 was Belgian guest Antwerp’s (#2) easy road victory over Dutch ZZ Leiden (#3) 103-52 on Saturday evening. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Antwerp Giants dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to ZZ Leiden’s 34 and made 22-of-25 free shots (88.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded ZZ Leiden 44-21 including a 35-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by ZZ Leiden helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Canadian guard Keevan Veinot (193-1998, college: Dalhousie) fired 16 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American guard Rasir Bolton (190-1999, college: Gonzaga, agency: Octagon Europe) chipped in 16 points. Forward Luuk Van Bree (203-1996, college: Bradley) produced 16 points for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Antwerp (5-2) has an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain the second position having just two points less than leader Leuven, which they share with Charleroi. Defending Dutch champion ZZ Leiden dropped to the fourth place with three games lost. They share the position with Limburg. Antwerp is looking forward to face Zwolle (#9) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. ZZ Leiden will play against Liege (#7) and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Another exciting game was between third-ranked Mechelen and one of their biggest challengers Okapi Aalst where Mechelen (7-2) beat Okapi Aalst (6-3) on the road 81-72. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Mitch Lightfoot (203-1997, college: Kansas) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). Willem Brandwijk contributed with 20 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Senegalese power forward Pape Badji (206-1992) replied with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds for Okapi Aalst. Mechelen have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain the third position with a 7-2 record having just two points less than leader Leuven. Aalst at the other side keeps the fourth place with three games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Belgian leader Leuven Bears delivered the eighth victory on Saturday night. This time they beat 10th ranked Dutch Den Helder (1-8) 82-65. Jalen Tate had a double-double by scoring 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists to lead the charge for the winners. At the losing side Sean Flood responded with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Den Helder’s coach rotated twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Leuven maintains the first position with an 8-1 record, which they share with Belfius Mons. Den Helder lost its eighth consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with eight games lost. Leuven will meet Leeuwarden (#6) at home in the next round where they are the favorites. Den Helder will have a break next round.
Rest of the games of round 10 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
- Liege defeated Den Bosch in a road game 88-72.
- Feyenoord was beaten by Belfius Mons at home 83-90.
- Kortrijk won against Leeuwarden on the opponent’s court 99-86.
- BAL Weert was outscored by Charleroi in a home game 58-98.
- Oostende managed to beat Zwolle on the road 88-83.
- Yoast United defeated Brussels on its own court 89-83.
- Limburg beat Groningen in a road game 93-85.
The best stats of the 10th round was 32 points and 5 rebounds by John Meeks of Groningen.
Den Bosch – Liege 72-88
Den Helder – Leuven 65-82
Feyenoord – Belfius Mons 83-90
Leeuwarden – Kortrijk 86-99
