Telstar Hesperange edged AS Soleuvre B 65-61 in Zolwer/Scheierhaf after a tight finish. The visitors controlled the start, closing the first quarter 20-13 and stretching the gap to a game-high 12 points twice in the second period (13-25, then 19-31) behind Jamie Kappler (Season PPG: 11.5), Christian Italia (5.4) and outside shotmaking. AS Soleuvre B, guided by coach Hervé Marie-Rose, trailed 27-39 at the break.
Soleuvre's response came after halftime: Kieran Nono (Season PPG: 10.17; 1.89m, 22, IRL) and Rainjay Maturan (Season PPG: 7.14) sparked a 5-0 burst to 32-39, and the hosts kept chipping away. Maturan, in rhythm all night, pushed them to 47-50 late in the third before Max Klepper (13.29) steadied Telstar.
Early in the fourth, coach Pit Meintz's team produced the decisive sequence: a 6-0 run capped by Klepper for 50-58, extended by two consecutive free throws from Kappler to 50-60 an 8-0 punch that proved crucial. Nono answered with back-to-back scores and Tom Lahure (Season PPG: 11.86) drilled a three (57-61). Maturan's late triple cut it to 61-65, but Telstar managed the final possessions.
Scoring was balanced for the winners: Lorenzo Ferrari (Season PPG: 10.5; 28, Italy) 11, Jordan Kaboth (6.63) 11, Klepper 11, Kappler 10, Italia 9, Tom Roden (6.88) 8. For Soleuvre, Maturan led with 20, Nono added 16 and Lahure 14. Notable sequences: Kappler's four straight points at the line to make it a double-digit lead, and Maturan picking up two quick fouls late while still delivering a late three.
In the standings, Soleuvre remain second, while Telstar sit sixth. It's a valuable road win for Hesperange, who have now taken two of their last three games, and a second straight setback for Soleuvre. The head-to-head is split after Soleuvre's +20 win in September.
(AI generated)