Levice — Oostende: 69:76, FIBA Europe Cup

Ostend edge Lewice in FIBA Europe Cup

Ostend took a 76-69 victory over Lewice in the FIBA Europe Cup on Tuesday evening. The Belgian side finished stronger, and it was enough to avoid a second straight defeat after losing 87-95 to Okapi Aalst last week.

By then, the visitors had found a way back into it. Lewice had started brightly, but Ostend's edge from distance — 13 successful three-pointers to 9 — proved decisive. The hosts dug in defensively, but couldn't match the shooting efficiency down the stretch.

Lewice controlled the glass with 39 rebounds to Ostend's 42, and they converted 14 of 16 free throws. But they paid for a sloppy opening. Ostend moved the ball better overall, recording 21 assists against 11, and their 29 field goals came at a higher rate than Lewice's 23.

And here's the thing about these games: the table goes out of the window. Lewice had won four of their last five before this, including a 126-76 thrashing of Slovan Bratislava in May. Ostend, meanwhile, had lost two of three against Antwerp Giants in June and July. This result ends their losing streak.

What it means is simple. Lewice drop to third place in their group, while Ostend move into a position where they can still qualify. The goal difference now matters more than anyone expected. One game separates them from the leaders.