Arantia Larochette edged Sparta Bertrange 79-78 in the M-LOTerie Nationale Cup semi-final at Coque after overturning a 19-point deficit. Sparta blitzed the opening quarter 25-14 and stretched the gap to 49-35 at halftime, then to 54-35 early in Q3. Arantia gradually climbed back, trimming it to 64-56 after three. The fourth quarter swung on perimeter shot-making: Kevon Lamar Godwin (25, 1.88m, USA) unleashed a late flurry with multiple threes and free throws, and Michael Anthony Carter III (28, 1.96m, USA) delivered the game-winner at 78-79 after Sparta had briefly reclaimed the lead on a Jarvis Terrill Williams (36, 1.98m, USA) three. Arantia also used a head coach challenge in the final minute as Karolis Abramavicius managed the closing sequence.
Sparta's offense was built on efficiency inside and at the stripe (55% 2P, 75% FT both good), but 3-point shooting (7/32, 22%) stalled them late. Arantia flipped the math with 41% from three (13/32, good) despite 39% on twos and 64% FT. Sparta led the glass on the offensive end (13-8) and had more assists (13-8), but Arantia's shot-making at the arc proved decisive.
Williams powered Sparta with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 8/9 FT, earning MVP of the game. Max Logelin (22, 1.87m) added 19 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out in the final minute, while Yannick Verbeelen (27, 1.91m) hit four threes and Victor Chidi Iwuakor (26, 2.01m, USA) posted 9 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks. Victor Stein (28, 1.90m) chipped in 9.
For Arantia, Godwin scored 26 (6 threes) and steered the comeback in Q4. Carter had 21 with three made from deep and 3 blocks, and Tyrell Daniel Sturdivant (30, 2.04m, USA) added 19, also with four threes. Captain Derek Wilson (34, 1.95m) fouled out late but had impact on the boards. The game's intensity featured two unsportsmanlike fouls (Edson Rafael De Sousa Silva (19, 1.88m, PRT) in Q2; Verbeelen in Q4).
(AI generated)