Telindus Oostende edged ONYX Levice 71-70 in a defensive FIBA Europe Cup battle on November 12, 2026, winning the game at the free-throw line in the final seconds. The Belgian hosts survived a missed Levice shot at the buzzer after a fourth quarter that featured five lead changes and almost no separation.

Match overview

Oostende led 18-17 after the first quarter, but Levice responded with a strong second period to take a 36-34 halftime lead. The visitors’ half-court defense frustrated Oostende for long stretches, forcing contested jumpers and limiting clean looks at the rim. Oostende adjusted after the break, using better ball movement and offensive rebounding to level the score at 54-54 heading into the fourth quarter.

The final ten minutes were a grind. Neither team led by more than four points, and every possession felt consequential. Levice’s Martin Kováč carried much of the offensive load, while Oostende leaned on its backcourt to create late scoring chances.

Key moments

Levice held a 68-64 lead with just over three minutes remaining after a Kováč three-pointer, but Oostende answered with a 7-0 run. Lars De Meyer tied the game with a driving layup, then gave the hosts a one-point lead with a free throw after drawing contact on the next possession. Levice reclaimed the advantage momentarily with a baseline jumper, but Oostende’s Jasper Van den Broeck converted two free throws with 12 seconds left to make it 71-70. Levice’s final attempt from the elbow missed, and Oostende grabbed the rebound to secure the win.

• Oostende shot only 39% from the field but made 19 of 24 free throws.
• Levice committed 16 turnovers, including three in the final three minutes.
• The game featured 11 ties and 14 lead changes.

Tactical story

This was a game defined by defense. Oostende switched nearly every screen in the fourth quarter, forcing Levice into isolation attempts late in the shot clock. Levice countered with aggressive help defense of its own, daring Oostende to shoot from the perimeter. The difference came at the free-throw line and on the offensive glass, where Oostende generated just enough extra possessions to survive. Levice’s half-court execution was solid for most of the night, but its late turnovers proved costly.

Standout performers

Lars De Meyer led Telindus Oostende with 18 points and five assists, while Jasper Van den Broeck added 15 points and eight rebounds. Forward Wout Peeters contributed 11 points and three blocks. For ONYX Levice, Martin Kováč top-scored with 21 points, and Peter Hudák added 14 points and seven rebounds. Levice’s defense kept the game close, but Oostende’s late composure made the difference.

What it means

The one-point win gives Telindus Oostende a crucial home victory in the FIBA Europe Cup group phase and could prove important if point differential decides the standings. ONYX Levice leaves with a narrow defeat after a strong defensive performance, but the Slovak club will rue missed opportunities in the closing minutes. In a competition where every possession can shape qualification, Oostende’s ability to win an ugly game is a valuable trait.