Basket Esch overturned a three-quarter deficit to win 82-72 in Stadtbredimus, breaking the game open with a dominant 27-12 fourth quarter. Musel Pikes had controlled the rhythm to lead 22-18, 43-38 at half and 60-55 after three, but Franck Meriguet's team hit first in the final period and never looked back.
Quinten Nelson (Season PPG: 22.4, RPG: 6.09, AssPG: 3.55) authored the turning point, scoring seven consecutive Esch points early in the fourth (a free throw, a triple, then another three) to flip 60-58 into 61-64. From 69-70, Esch closed on a decisive 12-1 burst Cornu, Ramos Fonseca and Rugg at the line, plus steady production from Jordan Hicks before a late Musel basket. Hicks (Season PPG: 15.0, RPG: 5.27, AssPG: 0.64) finished with 19 on excellent 2P shooting (4/5, 80%) and 2/5 from deep, while Nelson led all scorers with 23 (4/9 3P, good). Clancy Rugg (Season PPG: 19.5, RPG: 9.27, AssPG: 2.36) added 17 and 8 boards; Corentin Cornu chipped in 9 off the bench.
For Musel, MVP of the game Tristin Walley (29, 2.01m, USA; Season PPG: 17.6, RPG: 11.15, AssPG: 4.15) posted 21 and kept his side in front through three quarters. Maurice Gordon (Season PPG: 14.5, RPG: 7.00, AssPG: 2.92) had 16 with an excellent 2/3 from three and 2/2 FT, while Tom Welter (Season PPG: 8.1, RPG: 3.00, AssPG: 4.23) added 12. Musel actually led the glass 42-35 and dished 23 assists to Esch's 13, but the visitors' composure at the line (15/20, 75%, good) and late perimeter shot-making swung it.
Marc Hahnemann's team shot 40% on twos and 31% from three, leaving the door open in the fourth. Esch's Americans (Nelson, Hicks) drove the comeback, while Rugg anchored among the locals. The result lifts Basket Esch to 4th (+1) at 6-4; Musel Pikes stay 9th at 3-7. Attendance: 253 (177 paying).
(AI generated)