BNXT League: Leiden Crowned Champions After Dramatic Finale

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ZZ Leiden are champions of the inaugural BNXT League competition. They defeated Donar Groningen in two narrowly-fought victories. Here’s how the finals played-out.

Thrilling Opener in Groningen

The first ever final of the BNXT League was a hard-fought battle, with the first game played in Groningen. The finalists had played each other twice previously this season, and on both occasions, the away team took the victory.

Both teams came out strongly, hitting most of their shots and setting up an incredible pace. The first quarter was tied at 12-12 just halfway through. Then the home side found their rhythm, as Donar opened up a 9-0 run and won Q1 by 21-14. 

In the second quarter we saw a similar pattern, with the change that both teams shot poorly behind the arc. Leiden went 1/8, whilst Donar missed all three of their attempts. A 0-7 run at the end of the quarter got Leiden closer to Donar and the halftime score was 39-34.

After halftime, Donar continued to show good offensive plays, but their defense collapsed. Leiden made 83% of all their field goal attempts in this quarter and went 3/3 from behind the 3-point line. This was costly for Donar, as their lead evaporated.

By the end of Q3 they were looking at a 59-64 deficit. The home side started the final quarter well and immediately bounced back to tie the game at 65-65. Throughout the final minutes it stayed incredibly close till 72-72.

Three successful free throws edged Leiden into a 72-75 win, taking the first game of the series. Arunas Mikalauskas picked up 19 points, adding 6 rebounds and 3 assists – achieving MVP in the process.

Decisive game in Leiden twists in all directions

Earlier in the season, Donar took victory in Leiden, with a 2-point difference. This time, the away side appeared to have learned from game one, forcing Leiden to take shots from behind the arc. It was a strategy that worked in Q1, as the home side went 0/10 from three. Donar dominated the quarter, with a 0-18 run leading them to a 6-20 lead at the break.

In the second quarter, Leiden were still poor behind the line – going 1/6 from three. Donar took advantage and extended their lead slowly. The teams went into halftime with a 19-35 score and all the momentum in favour of the away side.

After the half-time break, Leiden changed it up, eager to get into the game. They began by attacking the paint, scoring 18 points and at least keeping themselves in the game. As they headed into the final quarter, they trailed by 13 points.

Sensing a ‘now-or-never’ moment, Leiden completely transformed their game in the final quarter. They opened with a 17-0 run, turning the game on its head. After a couple of free throws and their first field goal of the quarter, Donar tied the game at 61-61.

After this, the free-throw show began. Both teams made at least 10 fouls and went to the line multiple times. With the series on the line, Leiden kept their heads, and sank theirs with great effect, clinching a 71-70 victory.

With these two magnificent games, the curtain falls on the inaugural BNXT League competition with ZZ Leiden as champions. Bring on next year.

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