Amicale Steesel controlled at tramsschap/central, beating Racing Luxembourg 80-66 after setting the tone in the first quarter (22-14) and never trailing. Ashton Lee Sherrell (25, 2.06m, USA) dominated the opening frame with 12 points, including back-to-back baskets late, and Amicale took a 45-32 lead into halftime. A technical on Alex Laurent in Q2 briefly allowed Racing to trim the gap at the line, but Richardson and Sherrell restored a double-digit cushion.
The key break came mid-third quarter: after Racing cut it to 42-54, Noah Medeot hit a three and a two, followed by Sean Bugeja in transition for a 7-0 run to 61-42. The visitors stretched their largest margin to +20 in the fourth (76-56). Racing made a brief push through Emanuel Loncaric inside and a late three from Leo Backes, but Sherrell and Malcolm Richardson answered each time; a technical on Antunio Xavier Bivins at 58-76 halted any remaining momentum.
Efficiency told the story. Amicale shot an excellent 94% at the line (16/17) and a good 63% on twos (26/41). Despite a poor 3-point night (4/25), their interior finishing and safeguarding of key possessions outweighed 19 turnovers. Racing's 19 offensive rebounds could not compensate for cold shooting: 42% on twos (20/48), 24% from deep (7/29) and 56% on free throws (5/9).
Top performers
- Imports, Amicale: Sherrell authored a 30-point, 16-rebound double-double (MVP), while Richardson (USA) added 15 points, 6 assists and 3 steals.
- Locals, Amicale: Bugeja (18 years, 1.85m) delivered 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 steals; Noah Medeot chipped in 7 points, sparking that third-quarter burst; Laurent had 7 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
- Imports, Racing: Bivins (Season PPG: 25.0, RPG: 11.4, AssPG: 1.0) scored 25 with 9 rebounds; Brendan Adam Temple (Season PPG: 17.0, RPG: 10.4, AssPG: 0.6) added 6 and 8 boards.
- Locals, Racing: Bouttet hit three triples for 9 points; Lanners added 6.
In the table, Amicale sit 2nd at 3-2, while Racing are 6th at 1-4 and on a four-game skid. Coach Daniel Alves Brandao de Sousa's side managed the game flow; Adam Radomirovic's team fought on the glass but lacked efficiency.
(AI generated)