LWD Basket Leeuwarden vs Spirou Charleroi on 24 January
On January 24, 2026, the BNXT League will witness an intriguing clash between LWD Basket Leeuwarden and Spirou Charleroi at the Prins Willem-Alexanderhal. With both teams locked in a tight battle for playoff positioning, this game is more than just a typical regular-season fixture – it could be the defining moment that swings momentum in either side's favor. LWD Basket Leeuwarden, riding the wave of their recent form, will look to establish dominance at home, while Spirou Charleroi will travel with the aim of continuing their push for supremacy in the league. The stakes are high, and every possession will matter in this pivotal matchup.
LWD Basket Leeuwarden: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Over the past five games, LWD Basket Leeuwarden has shown a marked improvement in their performance. Their current form – three wins in the last five – is a testament to the effectiveness of their balanced offensive and defensive approach. Leeuwarden thrives on a fast-paced offense, relying heavily on quick transitions and ball movement to create open shots. Their offensive rating, standing at 108.4 points per 100 possessions, places them in the upper half of the league, with an impressive 36.1% success rate from beyond the arc.
Key to their system is their ability to stretch the floor. Their five-out offensive scheme allows them to exploit mismatches by spacing the court and using their shooters to drag defenders out of the paint. Their perimeter shooting, particularly from forwards and guards, will be critical to breaking down Charleroi’s defense. The team’s ball movement has also been exceptional, averaging 23.5 assists per game. However, their turnover rate remains a concern, with 15.2 turnovers per game, which could be a vulnerability against a team like Charleroi that thrives on forcing mistakes.
One of Leeuwarden's key players, center Jeroen Kloof, has been in tremendous form lately, contributing 18 points and 10 rebounds per game in his last five outings. His ability to protect the rim and generate second-chance opportunities will be crucial. However, guard Benjamin van der Vliet is currently nursing an ankle injury, which may limit his minutes and ability to create for others. His absence would put more pressure on Kloof and forward Martijn van Zegeren to take on bigger roles in the offense.
Spirou Charleroi: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Spirou Charleroi enters this game in solid form, having won four of their last five fixtures. The team’s defense, however, is where they truly shine, holding opponents to just 102.5 points per 100 possessions – among the best in the BNXT League. Charleroi’s tactical setup revolves around their half-court defense, which is well-organized and efficient, with their defensive rating of 101.3 confirming their prowess. They excel in closing out on shooters and defending the paint, limiting easy baskets. Their defensive rebounds are key, as they rank among the top teams in the league in this category, pulling down 36.8 per game.
Offensively, Charleroi plays a more deliberate style, focusing on ball control and maximizing shot quality. Their field goal percentage of 47.5% reflects this patient approach. They rely heavily on their experienced duo of point guard Ivan Buva and power forward Thibaut Vervoort, who together contribute over 30 points per game. Their ability to operate in pick-and-roll situations, as well as their ability to break down defenses with off-the-ball movement, will be vital against a Leeuwarden team that thrives on exploiting defensive lapses.
Vervoort, in particular, has been in scintillating form, averaging 22 points and 9 rebounds over the last five games. However, Charleroi's reliance on him could prove problematic if Leeuwarden can neutralize him through double teams or defensive switches. If Vervoort is contained, the team will need more from their supporting cast to fill the scoring void. Guard Jordan Dolentes has been inconsistent this season, and his performance on the night could play a crucial role in determining the outcome.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their last three encounters, LWD Basket Leeuwarden and Spirou Charleroi have split the series with one win each, while the most recent meeting ended in a close contest with Leeuwarden emerging victorious by a narrow margin of 5 points. The games have consistently been high-scoring affairs, but Charleroi’s defensive discipline has often kept them in the hunt despite some offensive struggles. The psychological aspect of this matchup cannot be ignored; Leeuwarden’s victory in their last encounter could provide a boost, while Charleroi will be eager to avenge their loss and maintain momentum in the standings.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The most crucial battle in this game will take place in the paint. Leeuwarden’s Jeroen Kloof against Charleroi’s Thibaut Vervoort is an intriguing individual duel that could decide the outcome. Kloof’s ability to dominate the glass and provide rim protection will be tested by Vervoort’s versatile offensive game and his knack for getting to the free-throw line. The team that controls the boards and wins the battle in the paint will have a significant advantage.
Another key area to watch will be the perimeter shooting. Leeuwarden’s strength from beyond the arc could be a game-changer, but Charleroi’s disciplined defense and ability to close out on shooters could stifle Leeuwarden’s shooting rhythm. If Charleroi can limit open three-point opportunities and force Leeuwarden into contested shots, it will make life difficult for the home side.
Match Scenario and Prediction
In what is likely to be a fast-paced yet tactical encounter, expect Leeuwarden to look to dictate the tempo early on, using their shooting and transition play to gain an early advantage. Charleroi, however, will attempt to slow the game down and impose their defensive style, forcing Leeuwarden into half-court situations where their offensive efficiency has sometimes struggled. The game will hinge on whether Leeuwarden can keep the pace high and exploit Charleroi's relatively slower rotations in defense.
Spirou Charleroi’s defensive strength and disciplined half-court offense will make them a tough opponent, but Leeuwarden’s home-court advantage and firepower from deep could tilt the scales in their favor. Expect a close contest, but with Leeuwarden edging out Charleroi by a slim margin, potentially covering a small handicap. The total points could go over, with both teams scoring in the 80s or 90s.
Final Thoughts
This game represents a fascinating clash of styles: the high-octane, perimeter-oriented attack of LWD Basket Leeuwarden versus the methodical, defense-first philosophy of Spirou Charleroi. The match will reveal which team can impose its will, control the tempo, and execute in critical moments. Will Leeuwarden’s offensive firepower be enough to overcome Charleroi’s suffocating defense? Or will Charleroi’s defensive tenacity be the difference-maker? One thing is for certain: this game will be a thrilling encounter that could have significant implications in the race for the BNXT League playoffs.
Which team will emerge victorious and continue their climb towards the top of the league? This match will answer that question.
