BNXT Playoffs: LWD Basket Secures Playoff Victory Over ZZ Leiden in League Quarterfinal

LWD Basket advanced to the next round of the BNXT League quarterfinals with a decisive 94-85 victory over ZZ Leiden on May 18, 2026. The Dutch playoff contest proved competitive throughout, but LWD’s balanced attack and efficient scoring ultimately proved the difference in the opening game of the series.

Frierson Leads LWD Attack

Guard Matt Frierson was the driving force behind LWD’s victory, combining elite shooting with playmaking to post 26 points in 40 minutes and 56 seconds. Frierson’s efficiency was striking: he converted 9 of 16 shots from the field (56.3%) while knocking down 8 of 14 three-pointers (57.1%), establishing himself as the game’s most dangerous offensive weapon. Despite limited involvement on the glass and in the assist column—2 rebounds and 2 assists—Frierson’s scoring touch was the catalyst for LWD’s win.

O’Boyle and Brandsma Support Winning Effort

Leo O’Boyle provided complementary scoring and rebounding, tallying 19 points and pulling down a team-high 12 rebounds across 41:55 of action. His two-way contributions were essential in controlling the tempo and establishing LWD’s interior presence. Reinder Brandsma, meanwhile, was a spark off the bench, scoring 16 points in just 25:46 while shooting an impressive 6 of 8 from the field (75.0%).

Shakael Pryce contributed 17 points and a game-high 8 assists, though his overall shooting was inefficient—1 of 11 from the field—reflecting Leiden’s defensive pressure on LWD’s backcourt. Maik Bouwer rounded out LWD’s starting five with 12 points and 17 rebounds, anchoring the team’s rebounding efforts.

Scott-Grayson Shines for Leiden Despite Loss

Although ZZ Leiden fell short, guard Tyreek Scott-Grayson delivered a strong individual performance worthy of recognition. The American scorer-defender posted 20 points on an efficient 7-of-13 shooting (53.8%) while grabbing 8 rebounds, dishing 3 assists, and swatting 2 shots in 21:35 of action. Scott-Grayson’s +11 plus-minus suggested he was dominant when on the court—a potential turning point had Leiden been able to extend his minutes or reduce his foul trouble.

Javian McCollum was the leading scorer for Leiden early on, finishing with 17 points and 5 assists in 40:24, though his efficiency (7 of 18 FG, 38.9%) reflected the defensive intensity applied by LWD’s perimeter players. Roeland Schaftenaar, a crucial reserve, added 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists in 23:39 off the bench, giving Leiden’s offense a secondary punch. Lucas Kruithof and Nate Roberts contributed 10 and 8 points respectively, while Roberts’ 9 rebounds showed Leiden’s strength in the paint.

Rebounding and Three-Point Shooting Determine the Contest

Both teams struggled from three-point range—LWD shot 11 of 36 (30.6%) while Leiden managed only 7 of 27 (25.9%). The deep ball inefficiency underscored the defensive pressure applied by both squads. However, LWD’s superior two-point shooting (16 of 30, 53.3% versus Leiden’s 25 of 51, 49.0%) proved the decisive factor. Free-throw shooting was nearly equal, with LWD converting 29 of 38 (76.3%) and Leiden 14 of 19 (73.7%).

The rebounding battle was tightly contested, with Leiden holding a modest 49-44 advantage on the glass despite the final score. LWD’s turnaround from a 17-assist, 5-steal performance highlighted their ability to share the ball and force defensive lapses—critical qualities in playoff basketball.

With Game 1 in the books, the series is poised to resume as both teams prepare for the next installment of their quarterfinal clash in the highly competitive Dutch league.