Belgium – Top Division I Round 5: Gembo BBC keeps a leadership position

NicolasWachowiak After 5 rounds played we can already see who rules in the Top Division I and who belongs to weaker ones. There was no lack of interesting games this round. The round ended with favorites losing the games, games ending by tiny margin and even winless team recording their first victory.The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Gembo BBC as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Gembo BBC defeated 12th ranked Houthalen in Borgerhout 94-85. Gembo BBC made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. They also forced 21 Houthalen turnovers. French swingman Nicolas Wachowiak (200-91) stepped up and scored 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and swingman Sam Renier (187-92) chipped in 24 points and 4 steals. Gembo BBC’s coach Glenn De Boeck used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Center Dario Clemente (204-86) responded with 20 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Undefeated Gembo BBC (5-0) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Oxaco. Houthalen at the other side dropped to the thirteenth place with four games lost. They share the position with Ninane. Houthalen will play next round against Gistel Oostende trying to get back on the winning streak. Gembo BBC will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Oxaco in Boechout. RPC Anderlecht has registered their first victory this season after three consecutive losses. The win is especially important as they defeated much higher ranked Soba (2-3) 78-72. Point guard Jad Riahi (171-95) nailed 15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals for the winning side and Nicolas Neskens accounted for 14 points and 7 rebounds. RPC Anderlecht’s coach Philippe Hoornaert allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Amaury Marion (199-91) came up with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds for Soba in the defeat. RPC Anderlecht (1-3) left bottom position moving up to tenth place, which they share with Melsele and Gistel Oostende. Soba at the other side dropped to the sixth position with three games lost. They share it with Ieper and Ekeren. RPC Anderlecht will play against Melsele (#11) on the road in the next round. Soba will play against Ekeren (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game in Ieper supposed to be also quite interesting. Leader Oxaco (5-0) played at the court of 7th ranked Ieper (2-3). Oxaco smashed Ieper 76-54 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was Nick Celis who had a double-double by scoring 16 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists. Oxaco’s coach Tony van den Bosch felt very confident that he used 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Alexander Schepens produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 14 rebounds for the hosts. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Oxaco. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Gembo BBC. Loser Ieper dropped to the sixth place with three games lost. They share the position with Soba and Ekeren. Oxaco will meet at home league’s leader Gembo BBC in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ieper will play against Royal Brussels (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. A very interesting game took place in Gent. It ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 10th ranked Melsele (1-3) to sixth ranked Gent Hawks (3-2) 66-63 on Saturday evening. Gregory De Pooter orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points and 7 rebounds. Gent Hawks moved-up to fifth place. Melsele at the other side keeps the tenth position with three games lost. Gent Hawks’ next round opponent will be Giants B (#9) in Antwerp. Melsele will play at home against RPC Anderlecht and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Important game to mention about took place in Oostende. Eleventh ranked Ekeren (2-3) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 9th ranked Gistel Oostende (1-3) 76-73 on Sunday evening. Maarten Rademakers stepped up and scored 17 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. Ekeren moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Ieper and Soba. Loser Gistel Oostende dropped to the tenth position with three games lost. Ekeren will face Soba (#6) in Antwerpen in the next round. Gistel Oostende will play on the road against Houthalen (#13) and hope to win that game. In the last two games of round 5 Royal Brussels won against Ninane on the opponent’s court 92-78. Waregem outscored Giants B in a home game 85-60. Ninane – Royal Brussels 78-92Very expected game when 12th ranked Ninane …

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