Arcus controlled BNP Parisbas 61-45 in Wasserbillig, building the win on a forceful start and a tight finish. After BNP opened 0-2 from the line, Arcus erupted with a 10-0 answer, fueled by Ioannis Pitropakis (ACU), who scored eight points in a row to set the tone. The hosts took the first quarter 22-12 and reached halftime up 37-23.
BNP reacted after the break. From 45-27, the visitors strung together a 6-0 run (Saint, Ekamby, Saint) and later trimmed the gap to 49-39 by the end of the third. Coach Jérôme Vergendo's side had its best spell there, with Chris King (BNP) relentless around the rim and at the line. But Arcus steadied immediately in the fourth: their defense allowed only six points in the final period, and timely baskets closed the door.
Beno Kraus (ACU) was decisive, scoring 18 points and delivering a personal 5-0 burst in the third that stretched the lead to a game-high 18. Pitropakis added 16, while Michail Kouris (ACU) hit three triples, including a key make early in the fourth to reassert control. Luc Kirsch (ACU) contributed inside touches and steadying scores.
For BNP, King led with 16 points. Mohamed Zarraa (BNP) chipped in 10, and Samuel Tchantio Kombiwo (BNP) added 9. BNP's third-quarter push showed resilience, but Arcus' closing 12-6 frame and overall defensive consistency proved decisive, with the hosts peaking at an 18-point advantage and never truly threatened down the stretch.
(AI generated)
Arcus