BNXT League Round 5 (Regular Season): Charleroi hands first loss to Brussels

There were just five rounds played in Regular Season of BNXT League and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was the first loss of Circus Brussels (4-1) at the home court on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by eighth ranked Spirou Charleroi (3-2) 81-66. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Circus Brussels. They outrebounded Brussels 36-22 including a 29-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by Brussels helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward JR Konieczny (201-2001, college: FGCU) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Sam Hofman (196-2000, college: Temple) contributed with 7 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Spirou Charleroi's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Eric Boone (188-1999, college: NCCU) answered with 11 points for Brussels. Charleroi moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams. Brussels at the other side keep the second position with one game lost. They share it with Aalst. Charleroi is looking forward to face Rotterdam (#13) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Brussels will play against the league's second-placed Aalst (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
One of the most interesting games of round 5 was a derby match between two teams from Belgium. Leader Antwerp Giants won against visiting Limburg United (3-2) 88-80. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Limburg United. American-Liberian guard Enoch Cheeks (190-2001, college: Dayton) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and Joel Murray chipped in 21 points. Antwerp Giants' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American point guard Vinnie Shahid (180-1998, college: NDSU) responded with 24 points. Undefeated Antwerp Giants (5-0) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 5 victories in a row. Limburg at the other side dropped to the fourth position with two games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Antwerp will play against Oostende (#4) on the road in the next round. Limburg will play against Groningen and hopes to get back on the winning track.
One of the most interesting games of round 5 was a derby match between two teams from Holland. Ninth ranked Groningen won against host Leiden (2-3) 96-83. Aleksandre Merkviladze nailed 27 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side. Sam Huurman came up with 21 points and 5 rebounds for Leiden in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Groningen (3-2) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams. Loser Leiden dropped to the eleventh position with three games lost. They share it with Mechelen and Rotterdam. Groningen will meet at home Limburg (#6) in the next round. Leiden will play against Mons-Hainaut (#16) in Jemappes and hope to secure a win.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 5: Mechelen was beaten by Den Bosch on the road 95-86. Rotterdam won against Liege on its own court 91-85. Winless Mons-Hainaut unfortunately lost to Aalst in a road game 69-83. Oostende managed to beat Leuven at home 66-54. Winless Kortrijk was defeated by Zwolle on the opponent's court 73-71.
The most impressive performance of 5th round was 27 points and 4 steals by Jamarii Thomas of Kortrijk.



Den Bosch - Mechelen 95-86:
Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both tenth ranked Dutch Den Bosch and 9th ranked Belgian Kangoeroes had identical 2-2 record. This time Den Bosch used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Mechelen 95-86 on Friday night. They outrebounded Mechelen 36-21 including a 26-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Den Bosch looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Den Bosch made 9 blocks. American guard JJ Harper (196-2002, college: Liberty) nailed 25 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks for the winning side and Canadian-Senegalese forward Ismael Diouf (206-2002, college: UNI, agency: Helping Ballers) accounted for 22 points and 9 rebounds. American guard Max Klesmit (193-2002, college: Wisconsin) came up with 29 points and Leander Dedroog (203-1999) added 10 points, 5 assists and 4 steals respectively for Mechelen in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Den Bosch (3-2) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams. Loser Kangoeroes dropped to the eleventh position with three games lost. They share it with Leiden and Rotterdam. Den Bosch will meet at home Leuven (#8) in the next round. Mechelen will play against Kortrijk and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Den Bosch: H.JJ 25+8reb+6ast, D.Ismael 22+9reb+3ast, D.Menno 16+3reb+1ast, B.Maik 13+7reb+2ast, K.Charlon 9+2reb+3ast, V.Niels 6+1reb+1ast
Mechelen: M.Klesmit 29+4reb+3ast, S.Casero-Ortiz 17+2ast, S.Willems 11+1reb+3ast, L.Dedroog 10+4reb+5ast, C.Fulton 8+2reb+4ast, J.Hampton 6+9reb+2ast

Rotterdam - Liege 91-85:
Rather expected game when bottom-ranked Belgian Liege (0-5) lost on the road to thirteenth ranked Dutch Rotterdam (2-3) 91-85 on Friday. Rotterdam made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. Rotterdam outrebounded Liege 38-22 including 23 on the defensive glass. American forward Isaiah Gaines (203-2003, college: SE Louisiana) nailed 21 points and 8 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for the winning side and Spanish point guard Alonso Meana (180-2000, college: UIS) accounted for 16 points and 6 assists. Five Rotterdam players scored in double figures. Mathis Bizimana (199-2004) came up with 23 points and 8 rebounds and American guard Kylen Milton (193-2001, college: Murray St.) added 19 points and 8 assists respectively for Liege in the defeat. Liege's coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Rotterdam moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Mechelen and Leiden. Liege lost their fifth game in a row. Newly promoted team still closes the standings with five games lost. They share the position with Kortrijk and Mons-Hainaut. Rotterdam will meet higher ranked Charleroi (#5) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Liege will play against Zwolle (#9) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Rotterdam: G.Isaiah 21+8reb, M.Alonso 16+3reb+6ast, T.Marcus 16+2reb+3ast, K.Ondaan 12+4reb+6ast, G.Lagio 11+10reb, T.Thomas 7+4reb+2ast
Liege: M.Bizimana 23+8reb+2ast, C.Matisse 23+2reb+2ast, K.Milton 19+4reb+8ast, O.Troisfontaines 8+3reb+4ast, R.Bruwier 4+2reb+2ast, M.Balthazar 4+2reb

Brussels - Charleroi 66-81:
The most surprising game was the first loss of Circus Brussels (4-1) at the home court on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by eighth ranked Spirou Charleroi (3-2) 81-66. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Circus Brussels. They outrebounded Brussels 36-22 including a 29-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by Brussels helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward JR Konieczny (201-2001, college: FGCU) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Sam Hofman (196-2000, college: Temple) contributed with 7 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Spirou Charleroi's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Eric Boone (188-1999, college: NCCU) answered with 11 points and center Godwin Tshimanga (201-2001) added 12 points in the effort for Brussels. Charleroi moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams. Brussels at the other side keep the second position with one game lost. They share it with Aalst. Charleroi is looking forward to face Rotterdam (#13) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Brussels will play against the league's second-placed Aalst (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Charleroi: K.J.R. 23+10reb, A.Eduardo 12+2reb, V.Luukas 10+5reb+3ast, H.Joshua 9+2reb+7ast, H.Nigel 9, H.Sam 7+12reb+3ast
Brussels: G.Tshimanga 12+2reb+1ast, E.Boone 11+4reb+1ast, N.Douglas 10+1reb+1ast, T.Richardson 9+2reb+1ast, S.Van Den Elzen 9+2reb+3ast, L.Hazard 6+5reb+2ast

Antwerp - Limburg 88-80:
One of the most interesting games of round 5 was a derby match between two teams from Belgium. Leader Antwerp Giants won against visiting Limburg United (3-2) 88-80. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Limburg United. Antwerp made 19-of-21 charity shots (90.5 percent) during the game. American-Liberian guard Enoch Cheeks (190-2001, college: Dayton) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and American point guard Joel Murray (183-1999, college: LBSU, agency: Slash Sports) chipped in 21 points. Antwerp Giants' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American point guard Vinnie Shahid (180-1998, college: NDSU) responded with 24 points and the other American import forward Noah Baumann (198-1999, college: GCU) scored 19 points. Antwerp Giants (5-0) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 5 victories in a row. Limburg at the other side dropped to the fourth position with two games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Antwerp will play against Oostende (#4) on the road in the next round. Limburg will play against Groningen and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Antwerp: M.Joel 21+4reb+2ast, C.Enoch 19+10reb+2ast, E.Cesare 12+3reb+1ast, P.Nijel 9+1ast, C.Noel 8+3reb+2ast, T.Kevin 6+2reb
Limburg: V.Shahid 24+3reb+2ast, N.Baumann 19+2reb+3ast, A.Gateretse 12+7reb, T.Di Maria 5+1ast, M.Ververs 5+7reb+5ast, J.Delalieux 5+3reb

Leiden - Groningen 83-96:
One of the most interesting games of round 5 was a derby match between two teams from Holland. Ninth ranked Groningen won against host Leiden (2-3) 96-83. Georgian forward Aleksandre Merkviladze (204-2002, college: LMU, agency: Octagon Europe) nailed 27 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side and American guard Kevon Godwin (188-2000, college: Angelo St.) accounted for 20 points and 4 assists. Merkviladze is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Sam Huurman (202-2001) came up with 21 points and 5 rebounds and American guard Anias Futrell (196-2002, college: Lindenwood) added 13 points and 10 rebounds respectively for Leiden in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Groningen (3-2) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams. Loser Leiden dropped to the eleventh position with three games lost. They share it with Mechelen and Rotterdam. Groningen will meet at home Limburg (#6) in the next round. Leiden will play against Mons-Hainaut (#16) in Jemappes and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Groningen: M.Aleksandre 27+7reb+2ast, G.Kevon 20+3reb+4ast, A.Bryan 13+2reb, U.Siem 11+8reb+5ast, M.Michael 8+3reb, D.Jalen 6+10reb+1ast
Leiden: S.Huurman 21+5reb+2ast, N.Graves 13+2reb+3ast, A.Futrell 13+10reb+2ast, J.Bergens 12+2reb+2ast, J.Beagle 8+5reb+3ast, T.Tainamo 7+8reb

Aalst - Mons-Hainaut 83-69:
Very predictable result when third ranked Okapi Aalst (4-1) won against at home bottom-ranked Belfius Mons-Hainaut (0-5) 83-69 on Saturday. Aalst made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. Aalst outrebounded Mons-Hainaut 43-26 including a 30-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. American guard Malik Thomas (196-2002, college: Virginia) nailed a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import forward Nick Davidson (208-2001, college: Clemson) accounted for 13 points and 7 rebounds. Four Okapi Aalst players scored in double figures. Okapi Aalst's coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to get some rest. French guard Kylian Mpete (191-2006) came up with 19 points and 5 rebounds and Moroccan-Belgian guard Younes Boukichou (194-2004) added 18 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Mons-Hainaut in the defeat. Aalst moved-up to second place, which they share with Brussels. Mons-Hainaut lost their fifth game in a row. They still close the standings with five games lost. They share the position with Kortrijk and Liege. Aalst will meet Brussels (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Mons-Hainaut will play against Leiden (#11) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Aalst: T.Malik 22+10reb+1ast, D.Nick 13+7reb+1ast, L.Elias 11+4reb+2ast, L.Alexandre 11+3ast, P.Mattias 10+6reb, A.Grant 5+5reb
Mons-Hainaut: M.Kylian 19+5reb+2ast, Y.Boukichou 18+5reb+3ast, A.Diarra 14+7reb, F.Katiki 6+4reb, M.Wade 3+1reb+4ast, F.Tallir 3+1reb+6ast

Oostende - Leuven 66-54:
There was a minor upset when 4th placed Leuven Bears (3-2) lost on the road to ninth ranked Oostende (3-2) 66-54 on Saturday. Oostende forced 21 Leuven turnovers. Power forward Pierre-Antoine Gillet (201-1991) nailed a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side and guard Stephan Swenson (188-2002, college: UCSB) accounted for 9 points and 6 assists. point guard Roel Bucumi (194-2003) came up with 20 points and Slovenian Bine Prepelic (200-2001) added 6 points and 10 rebounds respectively for Leuven in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Defending Belgian champion moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams including defeated Leuven. Oostende will meet at home league's leader Antwerp in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Leuven will play against Den Bosch and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Oostende: C.AJ 14+2reb+1ast, G.Pierre-Antoine 13+10reb+1ast, S.Stephan 9+2reb+6ast, M.Joppe 8+4reb+2ast, M.Adam 8+3reb+2ast, N.Moussa 5+3reb
Leuven: R.Bucumi 20, T.Sebastian 10+3reb+4ast, S.Schauvlieger 7+6reb+1ast, B.Prepelic 6+10reb+2ast, T.Waerniers 4+1reb+1ast, V.Kazamias 3+4reb

Zwolle - Kortrijk 73-71:
Everything went according to plan when tenth ranked Dutch Zwolle (3-2) edged at home bottom-ranked Belgian House of Talents (0-5) 73-71 on Sunday. However just two-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Zwolle forced 19 Kortrijk turnovers. American guard Jlynn Counter (190-2003, college: Charleston) nailed 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side and his fellow American import forward Nelson Haskin (202-1999, college: Columbus St., agency: Olsta) accounted for 21 points and 6 rebounds. Four Zwolle players scored in double figures. American point guard Jamarii Thomas (183-2002, college: S.Carolina) came up with 27 points and 4 steals and British swingman Amin Adamu (194-1997, college: Montana St.) added 10 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Kortrijk in the defeat. Defending Dutch champion moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams. Kortrijk lost their fifth game in a row. They still close the standings with five games lost. They share the position with Mons-Hainaut and Liege. Zwolle will meet Liege (#15) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Kortrijk will play against Mechelen and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Zwolle: H.Nelson 21+6reb, C.Jlynn 21+5reb+5ast, V.Boyd 11+3reb+3ast, A.Isaac 10+6reb+2ast, V.Sam 6+7reb+3ast, J.Isaiah 4+4reb
Kortrijk: J.Thomas 27+3reb+1ast, B.Bogaerts 11+5reb, A.Adamu 10+5reb+1ast, K.Severi 9+2reb+2ast, J.Yow 9+6reb+1ast, T.Koehler 3+4reb+2ast