In the first game of the M-Enovos League 1/2 finales, Etzella Ettelbruck secured a victory over Arantia Larochette with a score of 87-72. The game, held at Deichwisen/Central, saw a competitive first half with both teams tied at 17-17 after the first quarter. Arantia Larochette managed to edge ahead by halftime, leading 43-40, thanks to strong performances from Mykolas Maindron and Scott Christopher Lindsey, who contributed significantly with their scoring.
Etzella Ettelbruck turned the tide in the third quarter, outscoring Arantia 27-16. Quatarrius Deaundrey Wilson, the MVP of the game, was instrumental in this surge, showcasing his skills with 25 points and dominating the boards with 12 rebounds. Jimmie Lee Taylor III also made a notable impact, scoring 20 points and hitting crucial shots from beyond the arc.
Arantia's Malik Wilson faced a challenging game, eventually being disqualified after accumulating five fouls, including two unsporting fouls. This disqualification affected Arantia's defensive stability in the latter stages of the game. Despite efforts from Kiandre Marquis Gaddy and Edson Rafael De Sousa Silva, who both contributed double-digit points, Arantia couldn't regain their first-half momentum.
Etzella's victory marks their third consecutive win, maintaining their strong form in the league. With this win, they take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series, putting them in a favorable position to advance to the finals. Coach Gavin Love's strategic adjustments were evident, particularly in the second half, where Etzella's defensive pressure and efficient scoring made the difference.
(AI generated)