Short New Year's break for the eight quarter-finalists of the Cup of Belgium. On Friday (away) and Sunday (back) they will work through a double cup duel with a ticket to the semi-finals at stake. Excitement assured. 

Text: Raf Bastiaenssen

Photo: BlueFrame Media

Okapi Aalst-House of Talents Spurs Kortrijk
Both teams face each other opneiuw, after they already battled on the final day of play in 2024. Aalst then won 84-83 at its own Forum. 
‘The first half we had difficulties playing our own game. After half-time, we played a fine team. I have a young team, we have to learn that we have to be good for forty ùminutes,’ Kortrijk coach Roijakkers said. 
‘Kortrijk is not the number two in the BNXT-League for nothing. It has a wider core, that's where the biggest difference between the two teams lies. So in two games it will be a tough job. But last Thursday we won anyway,’ Siebe Ledegen knows. 

Hubo Limburg United-Windrose Giants Antwerp
The pre-eminent cup teams of recent seasons. Of the past six editions, United (2) and Giants (3) together crowned themselves winners five times. United missed the league final with two away defeats at Charleroi and Kangaroos Mechelen. Will it regain its focus and winning-mood in time, and how will Antwerp Giants present itself? Took a place in the sub-top, meanwhile, but continues to perform below its potential. Will the reference match follow this weekend? 

Spirou Charleroi-Filou Oostende
Charleroi closed 2024 with handsome victories against Limburg United and away at team in form Brussels. A boost for coach Rotsaert's young gang. Ostend also closed successfully: with a convincing win against Antwerp Giants, a ninth league victory in a row. And that despite the absence of the foursome Gillet, Mennes, Allen and Buysse. Wait and see which player(s) coach Gjergja recuperates already this weekend. 

Kangaroos Basket Mechelen-Stella Artois Leuven Bears
Will Mechelen continue its winning streak? Coach Tony Van den Bosch's team won its last five matches. And thus climbed to a fine third place. Against Leuven Bears, they will face some old acquaintances: former coach Kristof Michiels and players Wen Mukubu and Mathias Palinckx. The Bears also closed 2024 with a good feeling with three wins in a row. But coach Michiels warns: ‘Besides Ostend, this Mechelen is the team most in form.’

QUARTFINALES
Friday - away - 8.30pm
Okapi Aalst-House of Talents Spurs Kortrijk
Hubo Limburg United-Windrose Giants Antwerp
Spirou Charleroi-Filou Oostende
Kangaroos Basket Mechelen-Stella Artois Leuven Bears

Sunday - back - 16.30
House of Talents Spurs Kortrijk-Okapi Aalst
Windrose Giants Antwerp-Hubo Limburg United
Filou Ostend-Spirou Charleroi
Stella Artois Leuven Bears-Kangaroos Basket Mechelen