11th-placed Musel Pikes won 98-89 on the floor of 5th-placed Basket Esch and now have two straight wins after a long losing run, while Esch are on a three-game losing streak.
The game was decided by Musel's fast offensive start. After a balanced opening, the visitors closed the first quarter on a strong run to move from 19-18 to 35-26. In the second period they kept the pressure, with Everette Hammond IV (26, 1.91m, USA) and Jaylen Alexander Key (Season PPG: 19.33, RPG: 7.83, AssPG: 1.08) pushing the lead to 61-44, the game's highest margin at that stage.
Basket Esch reacted well after the break. Jordan Hicks (Season PPG: 15.58, RPG: 5.48, AssPG: 1.48) attacked efficiently and Clancy Rugg (Season PPG: 20.63, RPG: 9.80, AssPG: 3.05) kept his team alive. Esch trimmed the gap to 76-69 after three quarters, then a late burst in the fourth changed the picture: Damien Thill and Corentin Cornu hit from long range and Esch moved in front 85-84.
That lead was brief. Musel answered with 8 unanswered points, from 84-85 to 92-85, the key sequence of the night. Key scored again, Streef and Oth added free throws, and Esch could not recover.
Musel shot better from outside, with a good 48% from three (11/23). Hammond had 28 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, shooting an excellent 57% from three. Key was the MVP with 30 points and 10 rebounds, including an excellent 75% from three. Oth added 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Tom Welter contributed 10 points and 4 steals.
For Esch, Hicks finished with 25 points on a good 69% from two, Rugg posted 23 points and 7 rebounds, and Nelson added 13. Foul trouble mattered late: Cornu, Ceman and Rugg all fouled out for Franck Meriguet's team.
(AI generated)