Hubo Limburg United has won the final of the Lotto Basketball Cup. After an intense cup final at Forest National, Limburg United distanced themselves from Spirou Basket Charleroi (58-70) in the fourth quarter.

Photo: BlueFrameMedia

Spirou Basket Charleroi controlled the first half. Defensively, the Carolos limited Limburg scorers Jonas Delalieux (2 points and 0 on 6) and Myles Cale (4 points). With 6 points and a devastating dunk, Nathan Kuta provided the first run (16-8).

Two three-pointers by veteran Clif Hammonds prevented a bigger bonus for Charleroi. Past David Collins and a three-pointer by Quinten Smout, the gap remained intact: 30-22. Limburg coach Raymond Westphalen had to look deep on his bench for a solution and found it with Anthony Lambot. With a useful substitution, the playmaker closed the gap so that his team went into the dressing room with a small deficit: 34-32. 

The wider rotation options gave Limburg United more control over the course of the match. After a first basket by Delalieux, Quentin Serron put his team ahead with a steal and quick counter-attack: 44-45. 

Charleroi: foul trouble

Charleroi cracked through the foul trouble. Joshua Heath's fourth foul was crucial. With their playmaker on the bench, Charleroi coach Sam Rotsaert searched in vain for offensive solutions. With the absence of Tyrell Roberts (knee), those were very limited even before the start of the final. 

A 51-51 score started the final quarter. Charleroi fell completely silent offensively, piled up ball losses (21 in total) and scored only 7 points and 1 basket in the final quarter. David Collins was top shooter with 18 points, Joshua Heath scored 10 points. 

Limburg United did not let go of its prey again. And saw Osun Osunniyi dominate the match end. The American centre closed the bucket, blocked 3 shots, grabbed 10 rebounds, scored 12 points and fueled a spurt to 52-59. Roman Penn finished with 11 points.

Due to numerous Limburg free-throw misses (10 in 24), Charleroi held on until 58-61. A three-pointer by Quentin Serron ended the Carolos' chances of victory and made the Limburg legion explode. Limburg United can mark its tenth anniversary with a second cup win.

Spirou Charleroi: Collins 18, Heath 10, Samardzic 5, Venskus 7, Smout 7, Prepelic 0, Makwa 3, Izaw 1, Kuta 7.

Limburg United: Penn 11, Cale 9, Serron 5, Lesuisse 4, Lambot 7, Delalieux 9, Van Ounsem 2, De Zeeuw 2, Leemans , Ossuniyi 12, Hammonds 9.

Quarters: 20-16, 34-32, 51-51-58-70.