The Port of Antwerp Giants delivered a statement victory in the Pro Basketball League on June 14, 2026, defeating league powerhouse Telindus Oostende 89–84 in a hard‑fought contest at the Lotto Arena. The win not only tightened the playoff race but also snapped Oostende’s six‑game winning streak, sending a clear message that the Giants are a force to be reckoned with down the stretch.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams traded blows in a game that lived up to its billing as a top‑of‑the‑table clash. Oostende leaned on their trademark defensive pressure and transition offence, while the Giants used a balanced scoring attack and disciplined half‑court sets to stay within reach. The first quarter ended 24–22 in favour of the visitors, but Antwerp’s bench depth began to tilt the momentum in the second period. By halftime, the Giants had taken a 47–44 lead, fueled by a 9‑0 run late in the quarter.

The third quarter was where the game truly turned. Antwerp extended its lead to as many as 12 points, thanks to a combination of sharp three‑point shooting and relentless offensive rebounding. Oostende responded with a 10‑2 surge to cut the deficit to 70–66 entering the final frame. In the fourth, the Giants’ poise under pressure proved decisive. Key defensive stops and a perfect 8‑of‑8 from the free‑throw line in the last two minutes sealed the 89–84 victory.

Key Performers

• Port of Antwerp Giants – Guard Jean‑Marc Van Den Broeck led all scorers with 23 points, including four three‑pointers, and added 6 assists. Forward Derek Thompson contributed a double‑double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while veteran point guard Thomas Aerts controlled the tempo with 8 assists and only 2 turnovers.
• Telindus Oostende – Center Luka Pavlovic posted 18 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Kevin Adams added 17 points and 5 assists, but struggled from deep (2‑of‑8). Oostende’s leading scorer, Samir Diallo, was held to 12 points on 4‑of‑13 shooting, largely due to Antwerp’s aggressive switching defence.

Tactical Story

Antwerp’s game plan was built around slowing Oostende’s transition offence and forcing them into half‑court sets. The Giants packed the paint, daring Oostende’s shooters to beat them from outside. Oostende managed only 8 three‑pointers on 27 attempts (29.6%), well below their season average of 36%. Offensively, Antwerp used high pick‑and‑roll actions to create mismatches, and their ability to crash the offensive glass (14 offensive rebounds) generated second‑chance points that proved vital.

Season Impact

The victory improved the Giants’ record to 28‑14, keeping them firmly in second place behind league leaders Oostende who now sit at 33‑9. With only eight games remaining in the regular season, Antwerp has closed the gap to 4.5 games and holds the tiebreaker advantage after splitting the season series 2‑2. For Oostende, the defeat ends their run of dominance and opens the door for a tighter playoff race. The Giants will look to build on this momentum when they face Spirou Charleroi next, while Oostende will aim to rebound against Leuven Bears.

Quotable

“We knew we had to match their intensity and execute down the stretch,” said Antwerp head coach David Goffin after the game. “The guys showed incredible composure against a champion team. This is the kind of win that can define a season.” Oostende coach Johan Roelandts acknowledged, “Credit to Antwerp — they out‑worked us on the glass and made big plays when it mattered. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”

Game Summary

Attendance at the Lotto Arena was officially listed at 4,812, with a passionate home crowd creating a playoff‑like atmosphere. The Giants will hope to carry this energy forward as the race for the Pro Basketball League title heats up.