Erpent Defeats Fraire-Philippeville to Reach Final – Basketball Recap
Erpent advanced to the Coupe de la Province basketball final after defeating Fraire-Philippeville 75-68 in a closely contested semi-final match on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The victory secures Erpent’s place in the championship game, while ending Fraire-Philippeville’s run in the tournament.
The match, played at an energetic pace, saw Fraire-Philippeville, competing from the division below, initially take the lead. Despite some early struggles, Erpent rallied to stay within striking distance, with the first quarter concluding 17-19 in favor of the visitors. The second quarter continued to be tight, with both teams trading baskets, forcing Erpent coach Pierre Baudelet to call a timeout in an attempt to disrupt Fraire-Philippeville’s momentum. Marques of Fraire-Philippeville responded with a three-pointer, regaining the lead for his team, and the half ended with Fraire-Philippeville ahead 37-34.
Erpent emerged from the break with renewed intensity, employing a more aggressive defensive strategy. This shift in approach proved decisive, allowing them to regain control of the game. A late three-pointer from Bastien Massion extended Erpent’s lead to 58-50 at the end of the third quarter. Despite a determined effort in the final quarter from Leclere and Marques, who attempted to close the gap with long-range shots, Erpent maintained its composure and secured the 75-68 victory.
Coach Baudelet attributed Erpent’s success to controlling the tempo of the game, a factor he felt was lacking in the first half. “I warned the guys that the key was tempo, which we weren’t able to achieve in the first half,” Baudelet said. “We also missed a lot of counter-attacks, playing like headless chickens. By tightening things up in the second half and controlling the 1C1 and 2C2, we secured the victory after a great basketball game.” Baudelet also noted the team was without key players Bienstman and Dewez, but was able to rely on the depth of his bench.
Despite the loss, Fraire-Philippeville coach Nicolas Demande expressed pride in his team’s performance. “Today, it is certain that we are missing several small details to achieve this victory: the baskets alone under the ring, the lack of management when Erpent goes in front and we play too quickly, as well as the free throws and the defensive rebounds,” Demande stated. “I am however proud of what the boys came up with. Of course, there is a little frustration but we showed that our place in the semi-final was deserved.”
Erpent’s victory marks their return to the Coupe de la Province final, having previously competed in the 2024 edition. Fraire-Philippeville and Erpent had previously met in the 2024 final and the semi-finals of the play-offs. The opponent for Erpent in the final has yet to be determined.