Saarlouis took control gradually and beat Musel Pikes 88-72 after a game that stayed open for long stretches. Coach Majdi Anan's team started well: Musel led 5-2 behind the first five points from Julian Hammond (MUS), then stayed in front at 16-12 late in the opening quarter. Saarlouis closed that period on a 6-0 run to move ahead 18-16, and that momentum carried into the second quarter. The visitors pushed the gap to 24-18 and, although Musel came back to 28-29, Saarlouis answered again and reached the break with an eight-point cushion, 38-30.
The third quarter was important. Saarlouis opened the half with a 7-0 run for 45-30, with Edney (SRL) and Emanuel (SRL) setting the tone. Musel reacted well: Hammond kept scoring, Sam Streef (22, 1.90m) added inside, and Ben Matthias Schenk (16, 1.90m, DEU) scored to help cut the deficit to 45-54. Saarlouis then replied strongly and still led 63-54 after three quarters.
Musel made one more serious push in the last period. Hammond brought his side to 62-67, and Omar Youssef Essid (17, 1.78m) hit a three for 65-67. That was the key moment, because Saarlouis answered with a decisive 15-2 run to 82-67 and removed the suspense. Their highest lead reached 16 points at the end.
Hammond was Musel's clear offensive leader with 30 points, while Streef and Kyle Johnson (MUS) both added 10, and Konan Boglin Oth (19, 1.90m) plus Youssef Essid had 9 each. Johnson also fouled out late. Saarlouis had more balance: Jordan (SRL) finished with 22 points, Edney (SRL) 17 and Emanuel (SRL) 15, with Nils (SRL) and George (SRL) adding 9 each. Saarlouis also created a clear edge from the line and from outside, with 22 made free throws and 8 made three-pointers, compared with Musel's 13 and 3.
(AI generated)