T71 Dudelange overturned a slow start to win 82-62 at US Heffingen and move into the 1/4 finals of the Loterie Nationale Cup.
Game evolution
Heffingen struck first with a 27-17 opening quarter, sparked by Thomas Killian Quarry (26, 2.01m, USA) inside and a triple from Charel Oly. The game flipped immediately after the break between quarters: T71 opened Q2 with an 8-0 run, Christopher David Jack (27, 1.98m) drilling back-to-back threes to 27-25. Mekhi Jermaine Long (24, 2.01m, USA) then added a 3, a drive and a free throw in a personal surge that helped T71 close the half on a 5-0 spurt for 43-40.
The third quarter belonged to Jack, who was on a roll with four triples in the period, including two in a row that broke the game open (49-58, then 49-63). T71 won the quarter 23-13 and entered Q4 up 66-53. The visitors controlled the last act, stretching the gap to a highest lead of +23 (59-82) before closing it out. Notable sequence: Lee Bourgeois committed two quick fouls midway through Q3, adding to HEF's issues.
Numbers
T71's edge came from efficiency and control: 58% on 2-pointers (21/36, good), a 41-28 rebounding advantage, and a 16-7 assist gap. HEF struggled behind the arc (2/27, 7%) and finished at 50% on 2s (18/36). At the line, HEF shot 71% (10/14), T71 63% (10/16).
Leaders
For T71, Jack's 21 points on 7/11 from three were excellent (>50%). Long added 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists; Jimmie Lee Taylor III (31, 1.98m, USA) had 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists; and Joe Kalmes (29, 2.00m) delivered 18 points with 7/10 on 2s and an excellent 4/4 FT. Coach Christophe Ney's team also got solid work on the glass from Denell Devonn Stephens (39, 1.93m, USA), 7 rebounds.
For HEF, Quarry posted 13 points with excellent shooting inside (5/7 2P) and 3/3 FT, though he went 0/12 from deep. Luke Henry Haasl (24, 2.08m, USA) added 9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals. Austin Joseph Parker III (25, 1.96m, USA) scored 11, and Bourgeois (23, 1.95m) was perfect on 2s (3/3). Coach Alexis Kreps' side could not rediscover its hot start once T71's perimeter rhythm and interior efficiency took over.
(AI generated)