This weekend, with Hubo Limburg United-Stella Artois Leuven Bears and Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen-Spirou Basket Charleroi, the semi-finals of the Lotto Basketball Cup will be played. Friday, the first games will be played. Sunday follows the decision in the return games.

By: Dave Bastiaenssen
Photo: GZaracas

Hubo Limburg United-Stella Artois Leuven Bears

After the elimination of Filou Oostende and Telenet Giants Antwerp, Hubo Limburg United is the big favourite for the cup win. Limburg, the number three in the BNXT League, eliminated Oostende in the quarterfinals. However, regularity has been lacking in recent weeks. After the surprising home defeat against Belfius-Hainaut, Limburg United won against House of Talents Kortrijk Spurs last week. 

Stella Artois Leuven Bears has not had much success yet this season. It has only won three of its 15 matches and lost its last five matches in the BNXT League. The club has had to deal with injuries and player changes all season. John Fulkerson (knee) will not feature, Cody Riley (muscle tear in calf) is in rehab. The transfer of American Ralph Bissainthe has been cancelled due to administrative problems.

Can coach Eddy Casteels recharge and motivate his players like in the quarterfinals ? Nobody gave Leuven Bears a chance then against Liège Basket. With a severely depleted team of players, Liège Basket was eliminated and Leuven Bears advanced to the semi-finals.

Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen-Spirou Basket Charleroi

With Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen and Spirou Basket Charleroi, there are two teams facing off who, with a ticket to the cup final, can take some attention away from the lesser results in the BNXT League.

Kangoeroes Mechelen lost three of its last four games and went down last week against Okapi Aalst, which secured a first win. A defeat that hit hard. Has the team recovered from this defeat? 

After last week's home defeat against Telenet Giants Antwerp, Spirou Basket Charleroi has fallen far down the rankings. A place among the top-five and the Elite Gold will be difficult. Can the Carolos force a good starting position on Friday ?

Sporza will broadcast one semi-final live on Sunday. The choice will be made after the first games. The cup final will be played at Forest National on 10 March

House of Talents Kortrijk Spurs and Belfius Mons-Hainaut play an advance match of the BNXT League on Friday.

Lotto Basketball Cup: semi-finals

Friday 19 January

Hubo Limburg United-Stella Artois Leuven Bears (20:30)

Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen-Spirou Basket Charleroi (20:30)

Sunday 21 January

Stella Artois Leuven Bears-Hubo Limburg United (15:30)

Spirou Basket Charleroi-Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen (15:30)

BNXT League

Friday 19 January

House of Talents Kortrijk Spurs-Belfius Mons-Hainaut