Sparta Bertrange overpowered Kordall Steelers 103-68 at Atert, riding a dominant first half and relentless interior finishing. After Kordall edged ahead 6-4, Karl Abou Khalil's group unleashed a 26-4 burst to close the first quarter (30-13), then doubled down with a 33-11 second period to reach 63-24 at halftime. Antonio Alexandre Bento Dos Reis Pires stopped play early, but Sparta's momentum and their size and execution held.
The game's axis was Victor Chidi Iwuakor (Season PPG: 20.29, RPG: 9.71, AssPG: 1.38), who piled up 37 points and strung together eight straight in the first quarter to break it open. Jarvis Terrill Williams (Season PPG: 24.80, RPG: 6.00, AssPG: 0.73) added 21, and Max Logelin (Season PPG: 16.88, RPG: 5.50, AssPG: 3.62) chipped in 15 with steady free-throw work. Sparta's locals also contributed around the rim and on the glass Nicolas Hittelet (27 years, 2.00m) scored 6 and knocked down a second-quarter three. Team-wise, Sparta shot an excellent 75% on twos (33/44), and controlled the boards (+11, 42-31), assists (19-8) and turnovers (7 vs 13).
Kordall found some rhythm after the break, winning the third quarter 21-16, mainly through their imports: Erik Thomas Timko (Season PPG: 28.86, RPG: 7.00, AssPG: 1.50) led with 24, Robertas Jonaitis (Season PPG: 23.76, RPG: 9.57, AssPG: 1.14) added 18 and Andre Snoddy (Season PPG: 19.33, RPG: 9.29, AssPG: 2.57) 12. But perimeter struggles (3P 5/24, 21%) blunted any comeback, despite a good 2-point mark (50%). Among the domestic core, Steve Kuhlmann had 6.
Sparta's win completes a 2-0 sweep over Kordall in the qualification phase and keeps them atop the table. Kordall, despite the loss, sit eighth. The hosts' shot profile told the story: excellent inside efficiency, control of tempo and glass, and enough creation to keep Kordall at arm's length after the early onslaught.
(AI generated)