Port of Antwerp Giants Overpower Limburg in Pro Basketball League Showdown
The Port of Antwerp Giants rode a balanced attack and a strong second half to an 88–73 victory over Limburg in the Pro Basketball League on May 23, 2026. The win keeps the Giants firmly in the playoff picture, while Limburg continues to search for consistency in the Belgian top flight.
Match Overview
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading leads. Limburg’s perimeter shooting kept them within striking distance, and they trailed by only 44–41 at the break. However, the Giants came out of the locker room with renewed energy in the third quarter, outscoring Limburg 26–16. Their defensive adjustments neutralized Limburg’s pick-and-roll offense, while transition buckets from guards Jean-Marc Mwema and Dennis Donkor pushed the lead into double digits. The Giants never looked back, maintaining a comfortable margin through the final period.
Key Moments
- Third-quarter turnaround: Antwerp opened the second half on a 10–2 run, forcing Limburg to call a timeout just three minutes in.
- Donkor’s dagger: With 4 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Dennis Donkor nailed a corner three-pointer to extend the lead to 18 points, effectively sealing the win.
- Free-throw efficiency: The Giants shot 22-of-26 from the charity stripe (84.6%), keeping Limburg at bay whenever they tried to foul late.
Standout Performers
Forward Ivan Marinković led the Giants with 20 points and 8 rebounds, showcasing his versatility inside and out. Point guard Dennis Donkor added 17 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals, orchestrating the offense flawlessly. For Limburg, center Wesley Meeusen posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, but received little support from his backcourt, which combined for only 28 points on 10-of-30 shooting.
Table and Season Context
The victory improves the Port of Antwerp Giants to a 15–9 record, placing them third in the Pro Basketball League standings behind leaders Oostende and Brussels. Limburg drops to 10–14, sitting in seventh place. The Giants have now won four of their last five games, building momentum as the regular season enters its final stretch. Their depth and defensive intensity will be crucial in the upcoming playoffs.
Antwerp’s ability to adjust defensively and dominate the second half proved decisive, while Limburg will need to address their offensive inconsistency if they hope to make a late push for a higher seed.