Third-ranked BC Mess controlled this relégation game from the first quarter and won 101-60 in Bettborn, while sixth-ranked Rebound Préizerdaul stayed winless after an eighth straight defeat.
Préizerdaul started 2-0 through Aaron Legg, but Coach Stéphane Frentzel's team answered immediately and changed the rhythm with a 15-0 run from 4-7 to 4-22. Mess led 26-15 after one quarter, then broke the game open in the second. After PRE had cut it to 20-33, Mess produced another major burst, a 17-0 run to 20-50, and went into halftime far ahead at 55-22.
The game was built on efficient Mess offense: 80% on free throws and a good 58% from two-point range, with 34 defensive rebounds and only 14 turnovers. PRE shot 50% on free throws, 39% on twos and 21% on threes, and never found enough continuity before a better final quarter.
Cobie Logan Barnes (Season PPG: 35.11, RPG: 11.84, AssPG: 2.44) was the clear game shaper and MVP with 50 points, 18 rebounds and 3 steals. He posted good 81.8% free throws and good 41.2% from three, and had 31 points already by halftime. Captain Fabbri Bruno Zinédine Gauthier (Season PPG: 9.34, RPG: 4.17, AssPG: 1.59) added 27 points with an excellent 80% from two and good 80% at the line. Pedrito Kemevuako, the 17-year-old Angolan guard, supported them with 14 points.
For PRE, Welton Djon Silva do Rosario (Season PPG: 12.00, RPG: 10.10, AssPG: 0.40) was the main answer with 22 points and an excellent 71.4% from two. Jamal Wilson (Season PPG: 7.63, RPG: 6.67, AssPG: 0.67) scored 12, and Mathis Weyrich (Season PPG: 9.25, RPG: 5.83, AssPG: 1.67) added 11. PRE's late 25-point fourth quarter only reduced the margin after Mess had already stretched the lead to 48.
(AI generated)