Generali Okapi Aalstar opened their 2026 Club Friendship campaign in emphatic fashion, racing past Stella Artois Leuven Bears 104–93 in a high-scoring, free-flowing encounter on Thursday evening. The contest, played as part of the pre-season Club Friendship series, gave both Belgian sides valuable minutes and showcased plenty of offensive firepower ahead of the competitive season.

Fast-Paced Start Sets the Tone

From the opening tip, Aalstar looked determined to make a statement. Their backcourt pushed the tempo relentlessly, attacking the rim in transition and spacing the floor with confidence. By the end of the first quarter, the home side had built a double-digit cushion, and while Leuven responded with a run of their own in the second period, Okapi never surrendered the lead.

The 104-point total underlined Aalstar's versatility: they scored inside through strong post play, knocked down outside shots, and generated easy looks off turnovers. Their aggressive defense forced several key steals that translated directly into fast-break points, a pattern that kept the Leuven Bears scrambling to recover.

Leuven Bears Fight Back But Aalstar's Depth Prevails

Stella Artois Leuven Bears refused to fade quietly. The visitors showed encouraging signs in the third quarter, tightening their defense and finding rhythm from three-point range to cut the deficit to single digits on multiple occasions. Their ability to move the ball and manufacture open looks kept them within striking distance until the final minutes.

However, every time the Bears threatened, Aalstar found an answer. Role players stepped up with crucial buckets, while the team's balanced scoring made it difficult for Leuven to focus their defensive attention on any single player. In the end, it was that scoring depth that proved decisive, as Okapi closed the game strongly to secure an 11-point win.

Key Takeaways for Both Sides

• Okapi Aalstar's offensive rhythm: Reaching the 100-point mark suggests the team's new-look offense is already clicking, with good ball movement and confident shot selection.
• Leuven's resilience: Despite losing, the Bears demonstrated they can stay competitive when shots fall; their third-quarter response will be a positive sign for the coaching staff.
• Friendly-value minutes: With the season still approaching, both teams used extended rotations, giving younger players valuable court experience against competitive opposition.

Final Thoughts

For Generali Okapi Aalstar, the 104–93 victory provides an early confidence boost and a clear template for how they want to play. For Stella Artois Leuven Bears, the narrow margins in the middle quarters offer room for optimism, even if defensive consistency remains a work in progress.

As part of the Club Friendship series, results aren't the only measure of success, but a win with this many points on the board is always a good way for a team to build momentum before the serious business begins.