Sparta Bertrange won a controlled but hard-fought road game at Amicale Steesel, 77-69, and completed a 2-0 season sweep after the 89-83 win in the first meeting. In the standings, Sparta climb two places to first, while Amicale move up one spot to fourth despite a third straight defeat. Sparta are now on a four-game winning run.
Amicale opened 6-1, but Sparta quickly changed the rhythm. Yannick Verbeelen (Season PPG: 10.45, RPG: 3.37, AssPG: 2.67) was on a roll early, scoring 14 first-quarter points as the visitors turned the game into a 24-17 lead. Amicale stayed close in the second quarter and reduced the gap to 29-30, yet Sparta answered with an 8-1 spell to reach 38-29 and still led 41-37 at halftime.
The third quarter was again tight. After 41-43, Sparta produced another key run, going to 51-42 behind Victor Chidi Iwuakor, the 26-year-old 2.01m American, and Verbeelen. Amicale reacted through Alex Laurent (Season PPG: 14.75, RPG: 4.38, AssPG: 1.08), who kept the hosts alive and helped cut it to 53-51, but a Philippe Arendt three made it 56-51 entering the last period.
The decisive moment came late. Amicale were still within 68-63, then Sparta closed with a 9-3 push. Max Logelin (Season PPG: 16.65, RPG: 5.83, AssPG: 3.53) scored Sparta's last 7 points.
Iwuakor was the game's major force: 23 points, 18 rebounds and excellent inside efficiency (7/8 on 2-pointers) plus 6/8 free throws. Logelin added 18 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals, while Verbeelen had 19 points before fouling out. Sparta shot a good 53% on 2-pointers.
For Amicale, Laurent finished with 22 points and 9 rebounds, Malcolm Richardson (Season PPG: 16.20, RPG: 7.71, AssPG: 5.42) added 21 points and 9 rebounds with 5 made threes, and Ashton Sherrell (Season PPG: 23.70, RPG: 8.50, AssPG: 1.04) posted 9 points and 9 rebounds before fouling out. Amicale struggled from outside at 8/39, 21%.
(AI generated)