Sparta Bertrange won 80-69 at atert/central and took this best-of-3 quarter-final series 2-1, qualifying for the semi-finals, while Résidence Walferdange was eliminated. Karl Abou Khalil's team has now won 3 games in a row.
The game was largely decided before the last quarter. Sparta started well at 5-0, led 22-16 after 10 minutes, then created the main break in the second period. From 24-18, Sparta produced a 13-2 surge to 37-20, with Yannick Verbeelen (Season PPG: 11.52, RPG: 3.10, AssPG: 2.69) hitting three 3-pointers in that quarter. At half-time it was 44-27. Sparta then opened the third quarter with 7 straight points for 51-27, the biggest lead of the night at +24.
Résidence reacted late. John Clark Slajchert (Season PPG: 26.88, RPG: 5.08, AssPG: 3.53) scored 6 points in a row in the fourth quarter and the visitors closed to 67-59, but Sparta answered through Max Logelin (Season PPG: 15.92, RPG: 5.49, AssPG: 3.15), Jarvis Williams (36, 1.98m, USA) and Victor Iwuakor (Season PPG: 17.67, RPG: 9.78, AssPG: 1.25).
Iwuakor was the MVP with 18 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks. Logelin added 16 points, 3 steals and drew 8 fouls. Williams finished with 15 points and shot a good 9/11 on free throws. Arendt gave useful support with 8 points and an excellent 2/3 from three. Verbeelen's 4/8 from long range was also important, even if he fouled out.
For Résidence, Oliver Vujakovic (Season PPG: 15.22, RPG: 5.74, AssPG: 2.51) led with 24 points and an excellent 6/7 from two-point range. Brendan Bailey (Season PPG: 22.28, RPG: 9.45, AssPG: 1.50) posted 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Slajchert added 18 points. Team shooting was a clear difference: Sparta was good from three at 41%, while Résidence shot only 23% from deep.
(AI generated)