US Heffingen B edged Racing Luxembourg B 68-59 in the Coupe FLBB 1/8 finals in Heffingen, a game that swung repeatedly before the hosts closed it out with authority.
Racing started sharper, a 7-0 burst to 3-10, but Heffingen replied with a 20-8 run to close the first quarter 23-18 and held a 35-29 lead at halftime. The third period belonged to Racing: Nicolas Arendt scored back-to-back baskets, and with an assist from an André Pesch jumper the game was level at 35-35. Xavier Engel (37) then drilled a three for 36-40 and Racing moved up 36-42 before Heffingen steadied to 47-47 at the end of the third.
In the fourth, Engel's triple pushed Racing ahead 47-50 and later 49-52, but the hosts answered. Max Schmit (33, 1.82m) was the late-game reference: 26 points with five threes, plus calm free throws, including a tying sequence to 52-52 and a go-ahead stretch. Manuel Scholtus (46) hit a clutch three for 57-57, then Yves Bellwald (33, 1.95m) buried another from deep for 60-57. Joel Thesen (37, 1.85m) added a key two for 62-57. With Wander Nicolas Silvestre Marquez (30, DOM) committing his fourth and fifth fouls in quick succession and fouling out, Racing lost punch inside. Schmit's dagger from long range (65-59) and three consecutive late free throws by Scholtus sealed a 16-4 finish from 52-55, and a 6-0 closing burst to the buzzer. Heffingen's largest lead came at the end (+9); Racing's peak was +7 at 3-10.
For the winners, Schmit (26 pts, 5 threes) led, supported by Thesen (12), Scholtus (12; three late free throws) and Bellwald (9; big fourth-quarter three). Louis Michel Kohn (34, 1.98m) added 5 from the line. Racing leaned on Engel (15; four threes), Yves Le Sayec (30, FRA) with 9, Mathieu Gillardin (34, 2.05m) with 8, and Giorgio Riboldi (36, 1.80m, ITA) with 7. Under coach Manuel Scholtus, Heffingen managed the final quarter better; Pit Schneider's side had the third-quarter momentum but couldn't convert it late.
Heffingen B advance to the next round.
(AI generated)
US Heffingen B 
Racing Luxembourg B 
