Telindus Oostende 89–80 Generali Okapi Aalstar | Pro Basketball League

Date: May 23, 2026 | Location: Versluys Dôme, Ostend, Belgium

Defending Pro Basketball League champions Telindus Oostende continued their strong run in the 2025–26 season with a hard-fought 89–80 victory over Generali Okapi Aalstar at the Versluys Dôme. The home side used a dominant third-quarter surge to break open a tight contest and never looked back, improving their record in front of a passionate crowd.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets in a high-tempo affair. Oostende’s interior defense, led by veteran center Pierre-Antoine Gillet, kept Aalstar from establishing easy looks in the paint, while the visitors relied on quick perimeter passes and off-ball movement. The first half ended with Oostende holding a slim 45–42 lead, setting the stage for a decisive second half.

Key Moments

• Third-quarter explosion: Oostende opened the third period on a 14–5 run, stretching the lead to double digits. Guard Keye van der Vuurst de Vries knocked down two three-pointers and dished three assists in the quarter, putting pressure on the Aalstar defense.
• Aalstar’s late push: Aalstar cut the deficit to five points with under four minutes remaining thanks to a scoring spurt from Ivan Marrero, but Oostende responded with a 9–2 run capped by a driving layup from Chris Warunek to seal the game.
• Free-throw clinic: Oostende went 18-of-21 from the charity stripe, while Aalstar managed only 12-of-18, a margin that proved crucial in the final stretch.

Tactical Story

Oostende head coach Dario Gjergja employed a switching defense that disrupted Aalstar’s pick-and-roll actions. The home team forced 14 turnovers and turned them into 19 points. Offensively, Oostende moved the ball well, recording 24 assists on 33 made field goals. Aalstar struggled to contain the dribble penetration of the Oostende guards, often leaving shooters open on the weak side.

Standout Players

• Keye van der Vuurst de Vries (Oostende): 21 points (8-of-14 FG), 7 assists, 4 rebounds. The point guard controlled the tempo and hit timely shots.
• Chris Warunek (Oostende): 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks. A dominant presence inside on both ends.
• Ivan Marrero (Aalstar): 24 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals. The forward carried the offensive load for the visitors but lacked consistent support.

Season Impact

The victory keeps Telindus Oostende near the top of the Pro Basketball League standings, reinforcing their status as title favorites. For Generali Okapi Aalstar, the loss drops them to a .500 record, but they remain in playoff contention. The two teams will meet again in early June, and this result adds an extra layer of intrigue to that rematch.