In Contern, first-ranked US Heffingen edged third-ranked AB Contern B 65-64 in a one-point Phase 1 game that turned several times. Heffingen are now 2-0, while Contern B dropped to 0-2.
AB Contern B controlled the first half for long stretches. Cameron Brooks-Harris' team led 12-9 after the opening quarter and then produced the game's biggest margin early in the second, going from 12-9 to 20-9 and later reaching 28-12. David Lopes Meysembourg (CONB), the 13-year-old captain, set the tone offensively, while Lex Chiarandini (CONB) and Maxime Daems (CONB) added steady scoring.
Heffingen did not lose contact. André Gruskovnjak's side answered with a strong 17-4 spell from 28-12 to 32-29 before halftime. Mett Dostert (HEF) was central in that reaction, and Deivys Almeida Monteiro (HEF) added important baskets, including a three-pointer.
The third quarter shifted the balance. Heffingen moved in front at 36-34 and, after Contern briefly rebuilt a 45-39 lead, finished the period on an 11-4 surge to take a 50-49 advantage. Almeida Monteiro (HEF), Dostert (HEF) and Mex Steinmetz (HEF) all made a difference in that phase.
The last quarter stayed tight. Heffingen opened with five straight points for 55-49, but Contern answered again. Lopes Meysembourg (CONB) scored six consecutive points to turn 55-59 into 61-59, a crucial personal run. Heffingen remained composed: Jim Seyler (HEF) and Steinmetz (HEF) tied it twice, and Almeida Monteiro scored the decisive basket for 65-63. Lopes Meysembourg added one free throw for the final margin.
Top scorers were Lopes Meysembourg with 20 for Contern, ahead of Chiarandini's 12, while Heffingen had balanced leaders in Almeida Monteiro and Dostert with 16 each, plus 13 from Steinmetz and 10 from Seyler. Samuel Bevilacqua (CONB) scored 8 but fouled out late, which mattered in the closing possessions.
(AI generated)