Musel Pikes edged Basket Esch 72-70 in Stadtbredimus, splitting the qualification series after Esch's +22 win in the first meeting. In a game of swings, Esch burst out 8-0 and later built the night's largest lead at 31-20 after a 12-2 phase early in the second quarter, powered by six consecutive points from Jovana Jaksic. Marc Hahnemann's team answered with a 17-4 charge to close the half ahead 37-35. The third quarter remained tight (52-54), setting up a tense finish.
Musel strung a 5-0 start to the fourth (59-55), but an unsportsmanlike on Mackenzie Farmer at 65-62 allowed Vincent Gevrey's side to flip it to 65-67. The hosts replied decisively: Farmer tied it, Julie Nilles drilled a go-ahead three for 70-67, and Farmer added the next basket for a 7-0 run to 72-67. Katia Jemming hit from deep (72-70), but Musel held on through the final timeout sequence.
Farmer (Season PPG: 17.29, RPG: 8.88, AssPG: 1.25) was central with 28 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks and 10/11 free throws (excellent). Alexis Pomaika'i Pana (27, 1.75m, USA) added a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Anne Mreches scored 15 on efficient perimeter shooting. Among the home contingent, Nilles' late three was the game-winner.
For Esch, Jaksic posted a double-double (24 points, 11 rebounds) on 9/16 inside plus 3/3 at the line (excellent). Veteran guard Tatsiana Likhtarovich (37, 1.78m, BLR) contributed 22 with 3/6 from three (excellent), and Jemming had 15 with 3/7 from deep.
Shooting tilted both ways: Musel were good inside the arc (56% 2P) and solid at the stripe (79%), while Esch were good from three (39%) and at the line (85%) but only 40% on twos. Musel's ball movement (24 assists to Esch's 11) offset Esch's +6 on the glass. Esch's 19 turnovers proved costly. After two straight losses, Musel bounce back with a narrow win.
(AI generated)