BC Mess took control of the Phase finale table with a 98-67 home win over AS Soleuvre, moving up to 1st place (+2), while Soleuvre dropped to 3rd (-1). For coach Fernand Musquar's side, it was also a 6th straight win. After Soleuvre had won the previous Phase finale meeting 101-83, Mess answered with a much stronger defensive and offensive rhythm here.
The game started with a 7-0 burst from Mess, led by captain Noa Priso Dikoume (14, France) and Louis Clemes. Soleuvre settled through Lou Lahure and Phillipe Vieira Geraldes, and a 5-0 run at the end of the first quarter brought it back to 20-18.
The second quarter was the turning point. Soleuvre stayed close at 22-21, but Mess then lifted the pace. Fabio Freymann, who came in with 20.84 points per game, was central in that stretch and produced 8 points in a row to push the score from 34-29 to 42-29. At halftime, Mess had opened a double-digit margin at 46-35.
The third quarter broke the game open. Mess opened the half with a 7-0 run, then kept extending through Freymann and Clemes. The lead went to 56-37 and later 75-52. In the fourth, the gap peaked at 37 points.
Freymann finished with 29 points, Clemes added 22, Eli Nosbusch 15, Nils Muller 13 and Priso Dikoume 12. Mess's scoring volume inside stood out: 36 made 2-pointers, plus 14 made free throws and 4 threes. Aziel Flavien Kemevuako (11, AGO) added a late three.
For coach Luc Loesch's team, Timéo Weber scored 20, while Lahure and Vieira Geraldes added 17 each. Lahure carried a big part of the first half, while Weber was more productive after the break. Soleuvre finished with 25 made 2-pointers, 8 free throws and 3 threes.
(AI generated)