Lugano Tigers U23 edged Bernex Basket 80-75 in Switzerland’s NLB, using a strong first half and a composed closing quarter to hold off a determined Bernex side.

Lugano opened with a 21-19 first quarter and added an 18-16 second to take a 39-35 halftime lead. Bernex responded with a 22-20 third quarter to cut the deficit, but Lugano finished with a 21-18 fourth to secure the five-point victory.

Game overview: Lugano hold their nerve

Lugano Tigers U23 controlled the game for long stretches, but Bernex Basket refused to go away. The visitors stayed within reach through the middle quarters and briefly threatened to take the lead in the second half. Lugano, however, found timely answers on both ends of the floor and did enough in the final minutes to close out the win.

The first half gave Lugano a working cushion. The hosts moved the ball well and attacked the basket with purpose, while Bernex relied on perimeter shooting and individual drives to stay close. The third quarter was Bernex’s best stretch, but Lugano’s response in the fourth showed maturity beyond the team’s U23 status.

How Lugano closed out the win

The decisive stretch came late in the fourth quarter. With Bernex within striking distance, Lugano tightened its defense and forced several difficult shots. The hosts also controlled the defensive glass, limiting second-chance points and allowing their guards to play with more freedom at the other end.

Offensively, Lugano benefited from balanced scoring. The team did not rely on one player to carry the load, instead using ball movement to find open shooters and cutters. That balance made it difficult for Bernex to commit to a single defensive strategy. In the final minutes, Lugano’s free-throw shooting and decision-making protected the lead.

Standout performers

• Matteo Bernasconi led Lugano Tigers U23 with 20 points, including important baskets in the fourth quarter.
• Elia Grassi added 16 points and provided energy on both ends of the floor.
• Noah Frei contributed 12 points and helped Lugano control the boards.
• For Bernex Basket, Léonard Dupraz scored 22 points and kept the visitors in contention.
• Julien Moret added 15 points for Bernex, but the visitors could not find enough late offense to complete the comeback.

Switzerland NLB standings impact

The 80-75 win gives Lugano Tigers U23 a valuable home victory in the Switzerland NLB. Close games often shape the standings, and Lugano’s ability to execute late will be an encouraging sign for the team as the season continues.

Bernex Basket can take positives from the performance despite the defeat. The visitors competed well and made the game uncomfortable for Lugano, but they will need to improve their late-game execution and rebounding to turn narrow losses into wins. Lugano, meanwhile, will look to build on a result that showed both offensive balance and composure under pressure.