Oostende retains fifth consecutive Belgian success

BC Oostende is celebrating the Scooore League title, the top flight of Belgian Basketball, after overcoming Okapi Aalstar 69-74 in Game 4 of the finals series. The victory came on the road in Aalstat and continues Oostende’s dominance over the Belgian league, marking the clubs’ fifth consecutive title.

Indeed, since formation of the league in 2004 Oostende has won seven league crowns and is the leading force in the country, home and abroad. The travelling team had too much on the night for Okapi Aalstar, a trend that has been visible for much of the finals run.

Oostende took an early advantage through an exciting first quarter, with the guests pacing to a 17-23 lead at the first split. The visitors continued to press in the second frame, winning the stretch 15-18 to extend to nine points at the long break, the scoreboard reading 32-41 heading in at the midway buzzer. Aalstar had been in the contest despite the deficit, and needing a win to stay alive the hosts threw caution to the win in a blazing third act. A 24-13 run allowed the home team to regain the lead, taking a 56-54 advantage into the fourth quarter. However, Okapi run out of steam in the closing stanza and give Oostende a run at the game and the title.

Rasko Katic led the winners with a game high 25 points, while Kyle Gibson added 13 points.

Jerime Anderson grabbed 24 points in the losing effort, followed by John Tofi with 13 points.