Amicale Steesel overpowered Sparta Bertrange 90-61 in the M-U22 Qualifications at Atert/Terrain1, flipping the game with a massive perimeter barrage after Sparta's bright opening.
Sparta struck first, taking the first quarter 21-13 behind a hot start from Tom Germeaux (Season PPG: 19.4), who poured in 15 points in the opening period including three triples. The game turned sharply in the second quarter: from 30-30, Amicale ripped a 14-3 stretch to 33-44 and won the period 34-16, fueled by nine made three-pointers in that quarter alone. By halftime it was 37-47.
After the break, Amicale stretched the margin to 39-55 and controlled the third (13-18). The visitors closed emphatically with a 25-11 fourth quarter, highlighted by more outside makes (including Fabio Teixeira Ribeiro's three) and steady free throws. An unsportsmanlike foul on Théo Mc Leod (54-85) added to Sparta's frustrations. Amicale's largest lead reached 30 points (60-90).
Amicale's shot-making was decisive: 19 made threes and 11 free throws. Captain Sean Bugeja (18, 1.85m) led with 24 points and six triples, Bob Rech (19, 1.93m) added 20 with five threes, while Hector Dieter LoechnerErnst (18, 1.86m, ESP) chipped in 12 and Kelvin Almeida Lopes de Pina (20, 1.88m) 11. Jules Reuter (17) provided 9.
For Sparta, Germeaux finished with 21, Mc Leod (17, 1.79m, FRA) had 16, and Ata Tastekin (16, 1.91m, TUR) added 16. Sparta hit five threes and eight free throws.
Coach Daniel Alves Brandão de Sousa's group has now won two straight and climbs to 4th (+2) at 4-1. Coach Elton Jorge Ferreira's Sparta stays 7th (2-4) and is on a four-game losing streak.
(AI generated)