The Pro Basketball League served up a classic nail-biter on June 12, 2026, as the Port of Antwerp Giants edged out reigning champions Telindus Oostende 70-69 in a tense, defensive slugfest. The match, tipped off at 02:30 local time, was a testament to the league’s growing parity, with neither side able to establish a comfortable lead.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams showed why they are perennial contenders. Oostende, known for their disciplined half-court sets, leaned on their experienced core, while Antwerp countered with athleticism and transition scoring. The first quarter ended 18-16 in favor of the visitors, setting the tone for a game that would swing back and forth throughout the night.

Key Moments

• Third-Quarter Surge: Antwerp opened the second half with a 10-2 run, forcing an Oostende timeout. The home side responded immediately, cutting the lead to 51-48 heading into the final period.
• Clutch Defense: With Oostende leading 69-68 and under 20 seconds left, Antwerp’s defense forced a turnover near midcourt, setting up the game-winning layup by guard Joris Van den Berg with 2.1 seconds on the clock.
• Missed Opportunity: Oostende had a chance to win it, but a contested three-pointer from the corner missed the rim entirely as the buzzer sounded.

Standout Players

Port of Antwerp Giants: Guard Joris Van den Berg finished with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, including the game-winner. Center Michael Ndiaye added 12 points and 11 boards, anchoring the interior defense.

Telindus Oostende: Veteran forward Khalid Ibrahim led all scorers with 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting. Point guard Tom De Meyer struggled from the field but dished out 7 assists, nearly willing his team to victory.

Season & Table Implications

The win moves Antwerp into a tie with Oostende at the top of the Pro Basketball League standings with matching 18-4 records. The Giants now hold the tiebreaker over the defending champions, making this result potentially pivotal come playoff seeding time. “We knew it would be a war,” said Antwerp head coach Pieter Janssens after the game. “To win here in Oostende takes everything — grit, luck, and belief.”

The two rivals will meet again in early March, and if this contest is any indication, fans can expect another instant classic.