Kortrijk Spurs-Leuven Bears and Antwerp Giants-Oostende: those are the double bill in the semi-finals of the Lotto Cup, the Belgian Cup, on Tuesday and Thursday. Kortrijk and Ostend start as towering favourites. Or will Leuven and Giants provide the stunt? 

Text: Raf Bastiaenssen

Foto: SportPlus Media

Does House of Talents Spurs Kortrijk crown its rock-solid season early on with a final ticket to the Lotto Cup? A double confrontation with Stella artois Leuven Bears is the final hurdle. On Saturday, the two teams still faced each other in the BNXT League. Kortrijk won 74-86. 

‘We had a difficult game, were unhappy in our ball handling,’ coach Roijakkers said afterwards. ‘We suffered too many ball losses. Normally you can't win a game if you pile up so many ball losses (19) and have so many offensive rebounds (12) picked away. But we defended well and strongly.’

‘Kortrijk appeared with more energy on the pitch,’ admitted Leuven American Noah Freidel. ‘We can't afford that. 'We have to be ready to punch them in the mouth. Right away.' If we miss focus and intensity, it makes them feel comfortable. And confidence. And you don't want that.’

And what can Windrose Giants Antwerp manage against leader Filou Oostende? A double encounter with the record champion is always a leaden task. Add to that Giants continues to look for cohesion, consistency and regularity. It lost its past two games. Currently owns the Belgian red lantern, far below its ambitions and potential. Will a cup stunt provide the turnaround? 

SCHEDULE
Tuesday
House of Talens Spurs Kortrijk vs Stella Artois Leuven Bears
Windrose Giants Antwerp vs Filou Ostend

Thursday
Stella Artois Leuven Bears vs House of Talents Spurs Kortrijk
Filou Oostende vs Windrose Giants Antwerp