In Berbourg, BBC East Side Pirates edged Etzella Ettelbruck 59-53 in a tight W-Nationale 2: Tour qualificatif game decided in the last minutes.
Pirates started 6-1 and took the first quarter 14-10. Early in the second, Liz Hellers (28) and Julia Reuland (21, 1.63 m) pushed it to 20-12 before Etzella answered; a late burst cut it to 30-27 at halftime. After the break, Denise Kirsche (28, DEU) opened with back-to-back baskets for 34-27, and BEP made the night's biggest gap at 45-36, capped by a three from Noemie Entringer (29). Ella Reding (18) replied with a string of free throws to 45-41 after three.
The fourth swung dramatically: Anouk Reisch (24, 1.69 m) drained a three and Amina Kocan (20, 1.73 m) scored two in a row to complete a 0-7 run and give ETZ their only lead, 52-53. Game winners for BEP emerged immediately: Lynn Frank (39, 1.76 m) hit the go-ahead basket for 54-53 and finished with a game-high 20. Jennifer Ferring (32), despite foul trouble, calmly sank four straight free throws, and Samantha Lizardo (34) added a late basket to close on a decisive 7-0 run for coach Stephane Roger Said.
Top performers
- Pirates: Frank (20) led the way; Kirsche added 11; Entringer hit two timely threes; Ferring (6) was clutch at the line.
- Etzella: Kocan (12) and Reisch (12) paced the visitors; Reding added 11; Lea Gomes (17) chipped in 6.
Game flow highlights: BEP's 7-0 surge to 45-36 in Q3, ETZ's 0-7 answer to lead 52-53 in Q4, and BEP's closing 7-0. Highest lead: Pirates by 9 (45-36).
BEP remain perfect (4-0) and stay top of the standings. Etzella slip to 10th and have now dropped three of their last four for coach Amadeo Dias.
(AI generated)