Musel Pikes answered the 89-79 defeat in Heffingen by taking this Barrages series back to 1-1 with a 97-86 home win. Guy Schmit's team also stopped a two-game losing run.
The game turned in the first half. Heffingen briefly led 8-5, but Musel then produced a 26-12 finish to the opening quarter for 31-20. The second period was even more decisive: from 34-27, Musel closed the half on a 26-11 stretch and reached 60-38, with a highest lead of 25 at 60-35.
Musel's offensive balance was the difference. They posted a good 84% on free throws and a good 51% from 2-point range, added 28 assists, won the rebound battle 41-28 and forced 14 turnovers. Everette Hammond IV (Season PPG: 22.08, RPG: 5.32, AssPG: 2.95) was the MVP with 31 points, 7 assists and 4 steals, scoring 14 already in the first quarter. Jaylen Key (Season PPG: 21.50, RPG: 10.34, AssPG: 1.45) added 27 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double. Tom Welter (Season PPG: 9.03, RPG: 2.83, AssPG: 5.48) controlled the game with 12 assists, while Enzo Sanna (Season PPG: 2.66, RPG: 2.41, AssPG: 0.38) gave strong support with 14 points.
Heffingen reacted after the break and won the last two quarters. Early in the fourth, back-to-back threes from Thomas Killian Quarry (26, 2.01m, USA) and Jacob Washington (26, USA) cut the gap to 81-71. Musel answered through Hammond's consecutive baskets and kept the margin in double digits. Heffingen still came back to 93-84 and 95-86 late.
Washington was outstanding with 29 points, Quarry added 19 on an excellent 4/4 from the line, and Austin Joseph Parker III (26, 1.96m, USA) delivered 19 points and 10 rebounds. Gerry Schuder Minden (19, Guard) gave useful energy with 10 points. The winner of the decisive third game will play in the Enovos League next season.
(AI generated)