Arantia Larochette edged Musel Pikes 96-92 in Stadtbredimus, a close game shaped by a decisive third quarter and late free throws.
Arantia started sharper, 24-17 after Q1, with early perimeter hits from Kevon Godwin and interior touches for Tyrell Sturdivant. Musel answered in Q2 (18-14) to trail 35-38 at halftime.
The hinge came after the break. Michael Anthony Carter III (28, 1.96m, USA) caught fire, pouring in 17 in the third and finishing a perfect 12/12 on 2-pointers en route to 36 points. With support from Derek Wilson, Arantia stitched together two bursts, a 6-0 to 67-59 and later 5-0 to 72-63, taking the period 36-31 for a 74-66 cushion.
Musel pushed back in Q4. Tristin Matthew Walley (Season PPG: 19.17, RPG: 11.5, AssPG: 4.5) posted a 23-12 double-double and went 10/11 at the line (excellent). Tom Welter and Esosa Okundaye provided key outside scores; Okundaye's late three cut it to 90-94. Despite a bench technical on coach Karolis Abramavicius, Arantia held on as Godwin hit two free throws to stretch it to 96-90. Vic Heuschling (14 pts) fouled out late, but the visitors closed it out.
Shooting framed the outcome: Arantia combined good efficiency from 2 (62%) and 3 (39%), while Musel managed a good 3-point clip (42%) but only 50% inside and 61% at the stripe. For Arantia, Carter's 36 (12/12 2P, 4/5 FT) led the way, Sturdivant added a 14-13 double-double, Godwin had 13 with timely fourth-quarter points, and Wilson contributed 11 with energy on both ends. For Musel, Walley's two-way line (23 pts, 12 reb, 3 blk) stood out, Okundaye scored 15, Welter 14, and Sam Streef was perfect inside (3/3 2P). Konan Boglin Oth chipped in from deep (2/3 3P).
Arantia built the largest lead at nine and sealed a third straight win. They sit 5th in the table, with Musel 6th after a second consecutive loss.
(AI generated)