Basket Esch controlled the trip to Mamer, winning 83-60 in the qualification round under coach Franck Mériguet. The visitors, with two professionals to Mamer's one, set the tone early and never trailed after the midpoint of the first quarter.
Game evolution
- Mamer opened 4-0 through Maid Adrovic, and it was 6-6 after two free throws from Domenick Thomas Sleva (27, USA). From there Jordan Hicks ignited Esch: he scored repeatedly to cap a 17-6 close to the first period (12-23).
- Quinten Nelson opened the second quarter with five straight points (2+3), stretching the gap to 12-30. An unsportsmanlike foul (U2) on Mamer's James Patrick Murray at 19-34 gave Corentin Cornu two free throws and momentum stayed with Esch, who took a 49-30 lead to halftime.
- In the third, Clancy Rugg's triple and Nelson's three made it 37-60, the night's largest margin (+23). Esch managed the cushion in the fourth.
Shooting and team stats
- Esch shot an excellent 100% at the line (14/14) and a good 51% on twos (24/47). Mamer answered with a good 88% at the line (15/17) but struggled from the field: 31% on twos (15/48) and 21% from deep (5/24).
- Despite Mamer's 19 offensive rebounds (Esch 7), the hosts couldn't convert and were hurt by 17 turnovers (Esch 10). Esch moved the ball better (20 assists to 12) and won key 50/50 plays (11 steals to 2).
Individuals
- For Mamer, Sleva (Season PPG: 21.29, RPG: 16.71, AssPG: 3.00) fought with 33 points, 16 rebounds and 13/14 FT, while Povilas Mikalauskas added 6. Coach Darko Ristic's side also had early foul trouble with Alan Bedirhanoglu (three first-half fouls).
- Esch's non-domestic tandem led the way: Hicks (Season PPG: 14.71, RPG: 5.14) posted 23 points on 7/11 2P and 2/3 3P; Nelson (Season PPG: 21.86, RPG: 6.71, AssPG: 4.00) added 22. Among the domestic core, captain Clancy Rugg (Season PPG: 17.57, RPG: 8.00, AssPG: 2.14) had 19 points and 8 rebounds. Emmanuel Jesus Frederico (16 years, 2.00m, CPV) supplied energy with 8 points off the bench.
Form and table
Esch has now won two straight and climbs to 4th (+6 places). Mamer remains 11th. Attendance: 160.
(AI generated)