Val-Dieu Spirou Basket hold off CB Liège 77–74 in a nail-biter behind Douglas Konieczny Jr.'s 25
Val-Dieu Spirou Basket held off CB Liège 77–74 in a back-and-forth affair that came down to the final minutes. Douglas Konieczny Jr. led the way with 25 points on efficient shooting (11/17 from the field, 3/7 from three), while Nigel Hawkins chipped in 14 points off the bench to seal the win. Liège controlled the early going, building an 11-point lead in the second quarter and holding a 39–34 halftime advantage. But Val-Dieu Spirou Basket clawed back methodically. The hosts won the third quarter by a point and then outscored Liège 22–15 in the fourth to take control late, pushing to a six-point lead (74–68) with just over three minutes remaining. Liège fought back in the final stretch to make it a one-possession game, but Val-Dieu Spirou Basket hung on. Mathis Bizimana was the visitor's bright spot — 28 points on 10/12 shooting and 7/9 from the free-throw line — but it was not enough to overcome the hosts' third consecutive win. Bizimana's efficiency could not carry the day as Liège's shooting from outside (1/5 from three for Maxime Bilolo Katuala) dried up when it mattered. Val-Dieu Spirou Basket now sit 5–2 in regular-season play. They visit Windrose Giants Antwerp on Saturday. Liège drop to 1–6 and host House of Talents Spurs Kortrijk on Friday.

Another loss for CB Liège, but they've been pretty solid. Some rushed plays in the end cost them the game. Bizimana... impressive performance.
Log in to comment