Basketball: Romania takes its revenge narrowly

The Luxembourgers lost their third prequalification match for the 2027 World Cup on Sunday (77-84) against Romania in a sold-out event (1,621 spectators). In a group of three teams in which each had until then won a match, the Luxembourgers found a Romanian team hungry for revenge after the Luxembourgers’ exploit in February, when they overcame a 15-point deficit to crucify the Romanians at home (72-76 after extra time).

Following on from their clear victory in Norway on Thursday (62-75), the Romanians started the match strong, inflicting a scathing 0-12 from the start on the Luxembourgers overwhelmed by the size of their opponents in the paint (6 rebounds to 15 in the first quarter). Former Real Madrid pivot Emanuel Cate, now at Manresa, showcased his experience and size, while naturalized American who passed through Strasbourg Kris Richard (26 points) posed a threat on the perimeter.

Trailing (31-46) at half-time, Luxembourg was once again condemned to another improbable attempt at a comeback. And La Coque ended up believing it, as Ken Diederich’s men raised their level of play after returning from the locker room, driven in particular by three big three-point shots from Ben Kovac (top scorer of the Red Lions with 22 points) and a interior defense on the lookout.

Coming back to four points (44-48) in the middle of the 3rd quarter, the Luxembourgers forced the Romanians to adapt and take more three-point shots to regain some air (48-65) before starting the last quarter. In the last act, all the players took their responsibilities in attack, allowing the selection to come back to within three points (75-78) one minute and a half from the end, in a now boiling Shell. Unfortunately, the Romanians held their nerve at the free throw line and saved their lead.

Despite a new demonstration of strength and mentality in the 2nd half, the Luxembourgers will regret their failed start to the match, which forced them to perform in Norway in February 2025 to maintain a slim chance of qualifying, while they had inclined in the first leg (58-72) nine months ago.