BBC Wille Hansbeke to the final of the Cup of East Flanders, Ghent-East Eagles win replay (Ghent)

With an 81-83 victory, BBC Wille Hansbeke qualified for the final of the Cup of East Flanders last Thursday at the expense of LDP Donza B. Gent-Oost Eagles also won the replay against Geel on Thursday with 82-78. Eline Maesschalck Cornand’s team is immediately one win away from third place in the first national ranking.

A few minutes before the start of the derby in the semi-final of the Cup of East Flanders between LDP Donza B and Hansbeke, the home team had to have an extra seating stand brought in. After all, the main stand was completely full. Those present got value for their money, two teams that pushed themselves to the limit and excitement until the end. The first quarter set the tone: basketball with a lot of movement and with 26-26 the shooters also had the gun. In the second quarter, Hansbeke seemed to be able to create a definitive gap at 34-44 through Maxime Lievens, Robin Marreel and Robin Spaens. However, the home team fought back to rest with a score of 49-52. Same scenario in the second half, where Hansbeke again ran away to 67-75, but also saw Donza B come back. At 81-83 and seven seconds before the whistle, the throw-in was for the home team. The open man was not found and Hansbeke was able to finish.

“I think both teams were able to meet all expectations,” says LDP Donza B coach Koen Eerdekens. “In the end, Hansbeke’s experience is decisive. My players were disappointed, but I told them to be proud.”

Outstanding Tim Bruyneel

In the Hansbeek camp, Tim Bruyneel is the star with not only 19 points, but also 14 rebounds. “In the first half we were very strong offensively with 52 points,” said the power forward. “The fact that we also admitted 49 was a bit too much. However, we defended much better in the second period. I wouldn’t say that we won because of more experience. A Ramma and a De Bruyne at Donza B also played at a higher level. For me it was not only a high-quality, but also a very sporting match. In any case, the first major goal has now been achieved. We are playing the final of the Cup of East Flanders.”

Also quite a lot of people on the other side of Ghent, where Gent-Oost Eagles successfully completed the replay against Geel with 82-78. “It was a collective victory with five players in double figures,” says Ward Meylemans. “We were very motivated for known reasons. If we lost, we would also sink to the basement of the rankings, where a win now gives us a view of the top three. We did make a few mistakes again. A little too many missed free throws and losing the ball too easily. This time, however, it did not cost us the victory.”