Leeuwarden overpower GasTerra Flames Groningen 90-78 in Dutch Basketball League showdown

In a compelling Dutch Basketball League encounter at home, Leeuwarden delivered a commanding performance to defeat the visiting GasTerra Flames Groningen 90-78 on May 24, 2026. The victory not only showcased Leeuwarden’s offensive firepower but also tightened the race in the middle of the standings as the season heads into its critical final stretch.

Match overview

From the opening tip, Leeuwarden seized control with aggressive transition play and sharp outside shooting. The home side built a steady lead in the first quarter and never allowed Groningen to close within single digits in the second half. GasTerra Flames, known for their disciplined defense, struggled to contain Leeuwarden’s balanced attack, which saw four players finish in double figures.

The final 90-78 scoreline reflects Leeuwarden’s dominance in the paint and off the bench, while Groningen’s late rally in the fourth quarter was too little, too late. The Flames shot just 41% from the field, well below their season average, as Leeuwarden’s defensive rotations disrupted their rhythm.

Key moments

• First-quarter burst: Leeuwarden opened with a 14-4 run in the first five minutes, capitalizing on three early turnovers by Groningen.
• Mid-game control: A 9-0 spurt early in the third quarter extended the lead to 20 points, forcing a Groningen timeout. The Flames never recovered.
• Late Groningen push: Down by 18 with six minutes left, GasTerra Flames cut the deficit to 10 behind a pair of three-pointers, but Leeuwarden answered with consecutive layups to seal the win.

Tactical story

Leeuwarden’s game plan centered on attacking the rim and spreading the floor. Their guards repeatedly broke down Groningen’s perimeter defense, creating high-percentage shots inside. Defensively, Leeuwarden switched effectively on screens, forcing the Flames into contested mid-range jumpers. The home team also dominated the glass, grabbing 14 offensive rebounds that led to 18 second-chance points.

Groningen, meanwhile, relied heavily on their starting backcourt but found little support from the bench. Their inability to generate easy transition baskets allowed Leeuwarden to set its defense each possession, stifling the Flames’ usually potent half-court offense.

Standout players

• Leeuwarden forward Jasper de Vries: Led all scorers with 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting, adding 8 rebounds and 3 assists. His presence in the paint was a constant problem for Groningen.
• Leeuwarden guard Tim Bakker: Contributed 18 points and 7 assists, orchestrating the offense with a calm hand. His three-point shooting (4-of-7) stretched the defense.
• Groningen center Markus Klein: Despite the loss, Klein recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, fighting hard under the boards.

Season and table impact

The win lifts Leeuwarden to a .500 record, keeping them in contention for a playoff spot in the competitive Dutch Basketball League. For GasTerra Flames Groningen, the loss snaps a three-game winning streak and drops them to fifth place, though they remain in the upper half of the table. With only a handful of games remaining, every result is crucial for positioning ahead of the postseason.

Leeuwarden will look to build on this momentum when they face a tricky road game next week, while Groningen must regroup quickly to avoid falling behind in the race for home-court advantage in the first round.