Port of Antwerp Giants B were comprehensively beaten 77-124 by Kortrijk in the Belgium Basketball Cup, a result that underlined the gulf in experience between a reserve side and a fully assembled senior opponent.

Match Overview

The Belgian Cup is where clubs from different levels of the national basketball pyramid meet, and this tie followed the pattern such matchups often take. The Giants' B team, a development squad built to give young prospects competitive minutes, was matched against a Kortrijk side with a deeper, more physically mature rotation and it showed from the opening minutes.

How the Game Unfolded

• First quarter: Kortrijk pressed early and forced turnovers, opening up a 32-18 lead and setting the tone for the night.
• Second quarter: The Giants settled slightly and found some rhythm from the perimeter, but were outscored 28-22 as Kortrijk kept attacking the rim.
• Third quarter: The decisive stretch. Kortrijk's depth allowed them to keep the intensity high while Antwerp's young rotation tired, and a 33-20 run pushed the margin beyond thirty.
• Fourth quarter: With the outcome settled, both benches emptied. Kortrijk added 31 more points to close out a 124-77 victory.

Tactical Story

The difference came down to physicality and execution under pressure. Kortrijk dominated the defensive glass, converting long rebounds into transition opportunities before the Antwerp defense could set. In the half court, they repeatedly attacked the paint with dribble penetration, collapsing the defense and creating open looks along the arc.

For the Giants' B team, the lessons were clear. Their ball movement produced some good looks, but a high turnover count gifted Kortrijk extra possessions, and the size disadvantage inside meant nearly every defensive stop required a scramble. Games like this are the cost of running a development pathway — valuable in the long run, painful on the night.

Standout Performances

Kortrijk's scoring was spread across the rotation, with their guards controlling tempo and their frontcourt players finishing efficiently around the basket. The Giants' brightest moments came from their perimeter shooting, which kept the score respectable during the middle quarters and gave the young roster something to build on.

What It Means

Kortrijk advance in the Belgium Basketball Cup with a performance that signals genuine intent in the competition, while the Port of Antwerp Giants B return to their development schedule with a clear picture of the level required to compete against senior opposition. For the club as a whole, the result is a reminder of just how wide the gap between a reserve side and an established senior team can be — and why these cup ties remain an important part of the Belgian basketball calendar.