Hubo Limburg United has qualified for the final of the Lotto Basketball Cup. After the first game, Limburg United also won the return match against Stella Artois Leuven Bears 47-71. Hubo Limburg United-Spirou Basket Charleroi will be the cup final on 10 March.

By: dave Bastiaenssen

Photo: Dries Van Den Bosch

Leuven Bears opened the return match with two baskets (4-0) making the deficit less than ten points. Could Leuven provide excitement? The answer quickly followed. No. Quickly, Limburg United seized control. The defence closed perfectly and disrupted Leuven's attacking options. The shooters were neutralised. 

Myles Cale, 11 points in the first half, dealt the first jab. With a three-pointer, the American led his team to 13-22. After that, Roman Penn took over the shooter role. The American playmaker scored 11 consecutive points: 25-37. Limburg United succeeded in 8 of its 9 shot attempts in the second quarter. Only 10 ball losses prevented a wider bonus at halftime: 27-37.

Leuven Bears resigned itself to elimination. It scored one basket in the first eight minutes of the third quarter: 29-52. Coach Eddy Casteels looked in vain for a player who could turn the game around offensively. Leuven finished at 29% (15 on 51).

The win and qualification were never again in danger for Limburg United. Maxime De Zeeuw remained sidelined with a hamstring injury. Quentin Serron (calf) disappeared to the side after four minutes. Luka Kujundzic put the final score on the board: 47-71. 

Limburg United will play its third cup final in its 10-year history on 10 March. Lost once against Filou Oostende, two years ago coach Raymond Westphalen's team raised the cup against the coastal team.