Black Star Mersch beat Black Frogs Schieren 65-53 after a game that stayed open deep into the fourth quarter. Mike Pravisani's team bounced back from its previous loss, while Schieren took a second straight defeat.
The start was balanced at 15-15. In the second period, FRO created the first real break with a 9-0 run from 15-15 to 15-24, sparked by Mathis Kraus (FRO) and Zino Beslija (FRO). Mersch answered immediately with a 15-2 stretch to close the half at 30-26. Sam Tibold (BSM) was central in that swing.
The third quarter stayed tight. Schieren kept contact and trailed only 38-37 going into the last period. Serge Logelin's side then moved back in front, first at 41-38 and later 50-48, with Beslija and Benjamin Kezie (23, 1.89m) carrying the offense.
The crucial moment came from 48-50. BSM produced 8 points in a row to reach 56-50, with Trey Sean Boayue (BSM) and Tibold doing the damage. After Schieren cut it to 56-53, Mersch finished the game on a 9-0 run for its biggest lead.
Tibold, the game MVP, posted 26 points with excellent 2-point shooting (6/8) and added 8 rebounds. Boayue followed with 21 points and 9 rebounds before fouling out late. Bernardo Matos Pinto (25, 1.88m, PRT) gave BSM useful support with 11 rebounds.
For FRO, Kezie scored 15 points, while Beslija delivered 14 points and 11 rebounds. Yann Makoki Bakongo (33, COD) added 8 points and a strong 16 rebounds.
Team shooting was difficult on both sides: BSM shot 56.5% on free throws, 47.9% on 2-pointers and 10.5% on 3-pointers; FRO finished at 33.3%, 39.1% and 14.8%. Mersch compensated with a clear rebound edge, 57-43, and forced 21 Schieren turnovers.
(AI generated)