In a closely contested game held in Larochette, Sparta Bertrange B edged out Arantia Larochette with a narrow 70-68 victory in the M-U16 Division 2: Phase finale. This win marked a significant moment for Sparta Bertrange B, breaking a long series of losses and providing a morale boost for the team.
The game began with both teams exchanging leads, with the first quarter ending 19-18 in favor of Sparta Bertrange B. Arantia Larochette struggled in the second quarter, managing only 9 points, while Sparta Bertrange B extended their lead to 37-27 by halftime. Hugo Dubois was instrumental for Sparta Bertrange B, contributing 20 points, including crucial three-pointers that helped maintain their lead.
In the third quarter, Arantia Larochette mounted a comeback, outscoring Sparta Bertrange B 21-14. Lars Bosdijk, a 15-year-old standout for Arantia, showcased his scoring prowess with 30 points, keeping his team within striking distance. However, Bosdijk found himself in foul trouble, committing multiple personal fouls throughout the game, which limited his defensive impact.
The final quarter saw a tense battle, with Arantia Larochette closing the gap to just two points. Charles Wilhelm, the captain of Arantia, added 7 points, including a crucial basket in the closing moments, but it wasn't enough to secure the win. Sparta Bertrange B's Konstantinos Laliotis, aged 15, also played a pivotal role, contributing 14 points and maintaining composure in the game's critical stages.
Despite the loss, Arantia Larochette remains in the fifth position in the current classification, while Sparta Bertrange B sits in sixth place. The game highlighted the resilience and potential of both teams, with Sparta Bertrange B emerging as the deserving winners in this tightly contested matchup.
(AI generated)