In Mersch, Sparta Bertrange B outlasted Black Star Mersch B, 77-67, after a tight three quarters and a decisive late surge. The visitors edged Q1 (17-13) behind early baskets from Max Hagen and steady halfcourt execution. BSMB answered in Q2: Brian O'Neill (35, FRA) strung together four consecutive free throws during an 8-0 run to flip 20-27 into 28-27, though Sparta still led 35-33 at the break.
The game swung back and forth in Q3. O'Neill's burst (a two and backtoback threes) pushed BSMB ahead 45-39, but Hagen replied with two triples as Sparta regained a 56-55 edge entering the fourth. Early in Q4 BSMB moved up 65-63 after an O'Neill midrange and a Dan Mathes (BSMB) three, yet Sparta closed it with a 14-0 run: Hagen drilled from deep and Jules Beicht, who had committed two quick fouls in a row minutes earlier, struck for 8 points capped by backtoback triples. The lead peaked at 77-65.
Hagen (19, 1.89m) was the game winner with 32 points and eight made threes. Louis Evrard (20, 1.99m) added 22, while Pol Schwartz (27, 1.80m) contributed 8 at key moments. For Black Star, O'Neill poured in 27 (four threes, seven free throws), Mathes 18 (four threes), and Pol Rodesch (BSMB) 16 powered the interior. Erik Daling (35, 1.94m, NLD) added 6. Coach Karl Abou Khalil's side hit at least 13 threes and showed late-game poise; Lisa Hilges' team led at 60-57 and 65-63 before Sparta's decisive burst.
(AI generated)