GasTerra Flames Groningen claimed an impressive 85-76 road victory over Kortrijk in the BNXT League on October 3, 2026, using a dominant third quarter to seize control of a tightly contested matchup. The win moves the Dutch club up the early-season standings, while Kortrijk is left to rue a costly scoring drought in the second half.

Match Overview

In a game that pitted Belgian grit against Dutch efficiency, Kortrijk started brightly in front of their home supporters. The hosts knocked down four of their first six attempts from beyond the arc, building a 22-18 lead after the opening quarter. Groningen, however, remained patient, gradually imposing their physical style on the game. A 10-2 run midway through the second quarter swung the momentum, and the visitors took a 38-34 advantage into the halftime break.

Key Moments

The decisive stretch came immediately after the intermission. Groningen opened the third quarter with a 12-0 blitz, capitalizing on three Kortrijk turnovers and converting them into easy transition points. The home side called a timeout, but the damage was done. Kortrijk fought back valiantly in the fourth, cutting the deficit to five points with just under three minutes remaining. However, a clutch three-pointer from Groningen's shooting guard with 1:45 left on the clock effectively sealed the result.

• First quarter: Kortrijk 22, Groningen 18
• Second quarter: Groningen 20, Kortrijk 12
• Third quarter: Groningen 25, Kortrijk 18
• Fourth quarter: Kortrijk 24, Groningen 22

Tactical Story

Groningen's coaching staff made a key adjustment at halftime, switching from man-to-man defense to a 2-3 zone. The change baffled Kortrijk's perimeter-oriented offense, forcing them into contested mid-range jumpers and limiting their three-point attempts. Offensively, the Dutch side repeatedly exploited mismatches in the pick-and-roll, with their agile big men rolling to the rim and finishing through contact. Kortrijk, meanwhile, became too reliant on isolation plays, which stagnated their ball movement and led to several empty possessions down the stretch.

Standout Players

Groningen's backcourt duo was exceptional, combining for 42 points, eight assists, and five steals. The point guard controlled the tempo, while the shooting guard provided crucial shot-making. Inside, the team's center anchored the defense with 12 rebounds and three blocks, altering numerous shots at the rim. For Kortrijk, their leading scorer finished with 24 points, including four three-pointers, but received little help from the bench. Their power forward recorded a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds in a losing cause.

Season Impact and Standings

This victory improves Groningen's record in the BNXT League and strengthens their case for a top-four seed come playoff time. For Kortrijk, the loss drops them below .500 and exposes a recurring issue: an inability to execute in clutch moments. The two teams are scheduled to meet again later in the season, and based on this encounter, the rematch promises to be another intense battle.

As the BNXT League regular season progresses, both clubs will look to build on this performance. Groningen continues their road trip next week, while Kortrijk will aim to bounce back in front of their home fans.