CFBB U18 were the winners of a close game in Bascharage, 70-66, taking their first win against the Hedgehogs this season after three previous defeats in the matchup. In the relegation group standings, Bascharage stayed 2nd at 7-3, while U18 climbed two places to 3rd at 5-5.
Coach Dejan Pavlovic's BAS opened better and led 4-0, then controlled the first quarter in small margins. Sulcas briefly pushed U18 in front at 13-12, but Heilmann answered for 14-13. Early in the second period Albanese stretched it to 17-13, before U18 answered with a 10-1 run to 23-18, largely behind Sarunas Sulcas (Season PPG: 12.77, RPG: 5.26, AssPG: 2.35). Bascharage reacted well, moved back in front 32-29, and went to halftime up 32-31.
The third quarter stayed tight. U18 started it with four straight points, BAS tied at 40-40, but the visitors still carried a 51-49 edge into the last period. The crucial moment came at 58-58: CFBB U18 produced 10 unanswered points to 68-58, with Sulcas, Reuter and Brosius all contributing. BAS still made one last push, mainly through Fabien Vandler (Season PPG: 10.28, RPG: 3.68, AssPG: 2.14), who scored 6 straight points during the comeback to 66-68. Lee Brosius then finished it from the foul line.
Bascharage got strong production from Aziz Ndiaye (Season PPG: 18.96, RPG: 15.23, AssPG: 2.77), the 2.03m Senegalese center posting 19 points and 16 rebounds, while Tristan Heilmann added 15 points and Vandler 15. For U18, MVP El Hadji Modou Thiam Diop (Season PPG: 9.88, RPG: 8.80, AssPG: 1.49) delivered 13 points, 15 rebounds and 4 blocks, and Sulcas led all scorers with 23.
Team shooting was uneven: BAS shot 50% on 2-pointers, but only 22% from three and 40% on free throws. U18 were better on free throws at 65%, won the rebound battle 41-35, and forced 24 Bascharage turnovers with 14 steals.
(AI generated)