Leaders AS Soleuvre won a close road game at runner-up US Heffingen, 83-74, and stretched their current run to four straight wins. In the season series, the teams are now 2-2 after Heffingen had taken the first two meetings.
Alexis Kreps's team controlled the first half. Heffingen led 19-14 after 10 minutes and reached its biggest lead at +8 in the second quarter before going to the break in front, 40-34. Austin Parker III (Season PPG: 15.00, RPG: 7.03, AssPG: 3.14) set the tone inside, while Gerry Schuder Minden (Season PPG: 12.16, RPG: 3.29, AssPG: 2.39) gave scoring punch.
The game turned after halftime. Soleuvre won the third quarter 25-17 and moved from 40-34 down to a 59-57 lead. Christian Parker (Season PPG: 25.19, RPG: 12.64, AssPG: 2.04) and Felix Kloman (Season PPG: 30.69, RPG: 6.81, AssPG: 2.63) carried that shift.
Heffingen still answered early in the fourth and went back ahead 66-61, but Eric Bettini's side produced the decisive stretch. Soleuvre then went on a 12-0 run to lead 73-66, with Kloman hitting back-to-back threes. From 66-61 for Heffingen to 69-79, Soleuvre owned an 18-3 sequence. The visitors' biggest lead reached 11 late.
Parker was the MVP with 30 points, 13 rebounds and 7/11 on 2-pointers. Kloman matched him with 30 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks, shooting an excellent 100% on free throws (2/2) and a good 40.0% from three (6/15). Sandro Sanches Gomes Junior (Season PPG: 10.22, RPG: 5.35, AssPG: 0.65) added 9 points and 9 rebounds.
For Heffingen, Parker III had 21 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists, Schuder Minden also scored 21, and Thomas Quarry (26, 2.01m, USA) posted 12 points and 15 rebounds. Heffingen were good on 2-pointers at 51.0%, but 7/17 on free throws and 5/32 from three were costly. Soleuvre finished with a 47-42 rebounding edge and 7 blocks. After the game, Soleuvre remain first, Heffingen second.
(AI generated)