T71 Dudelange beat Racing Luxembourg 89-79 at grimler/central in a game that swung late. Racing controlled long stretches (18-17 after Q1, 41-37 at halftime) and still led 64-63 after three, helped by Steve Lanners' two early triples to open the second half. The fourth quarter belonged to T71, who produced a 26-15 finish, sparked by a 7-0 run to flip 63-66 into 70-66. T71 then closed it out with steady free throws and a late basket from Joe Kalmes.
T71's interior efficiency made the difference: 2-point shooting at 59% (good), plus a 50-35 rebounding dominance (15 offensive boards). Despite a rough night from deep (6/30, 20%) and the disqualification of Mekhi Long in the fourth quarter, Tom Schumacher's team found enough answers. Jimmie Lee Taylor III (Season PPG: 18.29, RPG: 5.86, AssPG: 3.43) scored 25 and drew an exceptional 12 fouls, calmly icing the game at the line. Kalmes (Season PPG: 19.71, RPG: 9.14, AssPG: 2.29) delivered 21 points and 16 rebounds with excellent shooting 8/9 on twos and 1/1 from three earning joint MVP honors. Christopher Jack (Season PPG: 9.29, RPG: 1.71, AssPG: 1.14) added 14, hitting 4/6 from three (excellent).
Racing's frontcourt kept them in it. Brendan Temple (24, 2.06m, USA) posted 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Antunio Bivins (Season PPG: 24.86, RPG: 11.57, AssPG: 1.29) had 21 and 11, including 5/6 at the line (good). Lanners (Season PPG: 11.00, RPG: 3.71, AssPG: 1.57) added 19. Team shooting, however, lagged: 22% from three and 59% at the stripe, with twos at exactly 50%.
A bench technical against Racing came during the final stretch, and T71 capitalized. The hosts' biggest lead was the final margin (+10); Racing's peak came late in Q3 (+6). With this win, T71 move to 2nd in the table (+1), while Racing sit 6th (+3). T71 have won five of their seven games. Attendance: 302 (233 paying). MVPs: Kalmes and Temple.
(AI generated)