Sparta Bertrange edged T71 Dudelange 72-66 in the MCoupe de l'Avenir 1/8 finales, a game shaped by runs and timely shotmaking. Sparta opened 0-6 behind an assertive start from Thandizo Jon Zulu (15, SVN), but T71 settled and even nudged in front late in the first quarter at 18-17 after Tim Wagner's basket. A three by IsamuVincent Boisclair (15, JPN) restored Sparta's lead and the visitors closed Q1 up 23-24.
The second quarter swung the tie. Tunn Wirion (15) authored T71's next four scoring plays for 9 points, pulling the hosts level at 32-32. Sparta answered with the game's key 9-0 burst (Zulu, William Scarsbrook 14, GBR, Maximilaan Flechtner 15, DEU, Alexandre Olinger 15) to 34-46 and reached halftime at 38-49, their largest cushion +13 arriving at 36-49.
T71's response came after the break. Bo Wagner (14) and Finn Dondelinger (15) fueled a 6-0 phase to 49-51, and the quarter ended 54-59. Early in the fourth, Sparta rebuilt breathing room with a 7-2 stretch (Zulu inside, then Boisclair from deep) to 55-64. T71 pushed back to 64-68 on a Bo Wagner three and more from Wirion, but Zulu's triple for 59-68 earlier and two late Flechtner buckets were decisive. Zulu navigated foul trouble (4) without fouling out.
Standouts
- Sparta: Zulu 20 (eight 2s and a 3), Boisclair 17 (three triples), Olinger 12, Flechtner 12, Scarsbrook 8 with a timely three before the break.
- T71: Wirion 23 (three triples, constant scoring through Q2 and Q4), Dondelinger 13, Bo Wagner 12 (hit a fourthquarter three), Ben Jemming (13) 6 on two threes.
Coaches Christian Michael Wulff leaned on balanced scoring during the decisive secondquarter run, while Eric Jeitz's timeouts steadied T71 enough for a thirdquarter surge. No player fouled out; Dondelinger, Max Schartz and Tim Wagner each finished on three fouls. Sparta's composure in the final minutes made the difference in a close finish.
(AI generated)
T71 Dudelange 
Sparta Bertrange 
