Belgium – Top Division I Round 4: Waregem loses their first game against Oxaco

Nick Celis After 4 rounds played we can already see who rules in the Top Division I and who belongs to weaker ones. There was no lack of excitement in the last round games. The round ended with loss of the undefeated team, favorites losing the games and even winless team recording their first victory.The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Waregem (3-1) in Boechout on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by Oxaco (4-0) 86-77. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Waregem. It was a key game for the top position in the league. They outrebounded Waregem 39-28 including 27 on the defensive glass. Oxaco looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Nick Celis (196-88) who helped to win the game recording 24 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals and power forward Mark De Meyer (194-88) who added 22 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side swingman Brecht Guillemyn (192-87) responded with 21 points. Oxaco have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Gembo BBC. Waregem at the other side keeps the third place with one game lost. Oxaco is looking forward to face Ieper (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Waregem will play against Giants B (#8) and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident. Important game to mention about took place in Brussels. Eighth ranked Royal Brussels (2-1) saved a 2-point victory at home edging one of their biggest challengers Gent Hawks (2-2) 76-74 in the fight for the fourth place. The winners were led by forward Thomas Creppy (197-90, agency: LBM Management) who scored that evening 15 points and 9 rebounds and Rochdi Benzouien supported him with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Even 21 points and 5 rebounds by forward Gregory De Pooter (197-84) did not help to save the game for Gent Hawks. Royal Brussels moved-up to fourth place. Gent Hawks at the other side dropped to the fifth position with two games lost. They share it with Ieper and Soba. Royal Brussels will play against Ninane (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Gent Hawks will play against Melsele (#10) and hope to get back on the winning track. Houthalen has registered their first victory this season after three consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat RPC Anderlecht (0-3) 85-73 on Sunday. Chiel Koonings fired 20 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Geoffrey Hockins produced 22 points for lost side. RPC Anderlecht’s coach Philippe Hoornaert rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn’t help. Houthalen (1-3) left bottom position moving up to eleventh place, which they share with Ninane and Ekeren. It was RPC Anderlecht’s third loss in a row. Newly promoted team still closes the standings with three games lost. Houthalen will meet league’s leader Gembo BBC in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. RPC Anderlecht will play against Soba (#5) and hopes to get finally their first victory.Melsele has registered their first victory this season after two consecutive losses. The win is especially important as they defeated much higher ranked Ieper (2-2) 69-59. It was a very good performance for Patrick Hilliman who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 18 rebounds. Melsele (1-2) left bottom position moving up to ninth place, which they share with Gistel Oostende. Ieper at the other side keeps the fifth position with two games lost. Melsele’s next round opponent will be higher ranked Gent Hawks (#6) on the road and it may be quite challenging game. Ieper will play against the league’s second-placed Oxaco having rather not much hope for a victory.Giants B has registered their first victory this season. They used home court advantage to defeat Ninane (1-3) 103-73 on Friday. Worth to mention a great performance of Marius Mwendanga who helped to win the game recording 23 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Giants B’s coach Thomas Crab felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Giants B (1-1) left bottom position moving up to eighth place. Ninane lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh position with three games lost. Giants B will face higher ranked Waregem (#3) in Waregem in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Ninane will play at home against Royal Brussels (#4) and hope to win that game. In the last two games of round 4 Gistel Oostende was destroyed by Soba on the opponent’s court 95-59. Ekeren lost to undefeated Gembo BBC in a home game 75-80. Royal Brussels – Gent Hawks 76-74Important game to mention about took place in Brussels. Eighth ranked Royal Brussels (2-1) saved a 2-point victory at home edging one of their biggest challengers Gent Hawks (2-2) 76-74 in the fight for the fourth place. The winners were led by forward Thomas Creppy (197-90, agency: LBM Management) who scored that evening 15 points and 9 rebounds and point guard Rochdi Benzouien (184-96, agency: Promotex) supported him with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Even 21 points and 5 rebounds by forward Gregory De Pooter (197-84) did not help to save the game for Gent Hawks. Center Jeremy Delobbe (203-91) added 13 points and 11 …

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