W-Nationale 2: Tour qualificatif GRE edged Racing Luxembourg 64-59 in Oberanven after a tight, swinging game marked by big runs and late shot-making.
Racing finished the first quarter on an 8-0 burst to lead 15-17, then stretched the gap in Q2. With Hoffmann (28, 1.85m) and Schmit (RAC) active, the visitors built the largest lead of the night at 23-33. Andrea Haris' team steadied before halftime (28-33) and flipped the game right after the break: GRE strung together a 13-0 run from 31-38 to 44-38, fueled by Marneth (19, DEU), Strelen (18, 1.86m, DEU) and a key three from Manti (GRE).
The fourth quarter belonged to Leisha Burridge (17, GBR). She opened the period with seven straight team points (50-46 to 55-50) and later buried a decisive triple for 63-59 before adding the last free throw. Between those blows, Manti hit a clutch three at 55-55 and the go-ahead 2-point basket at 60-59. Racing stayed in it thanks to captain Marie-Lou Haentges (RAC), who knocked down two baskets in a row and kept attacking, but she picked up quick fouls late and eventually fouled out, stalling the visitors' final push despite two late time-outs from coach Wojciech Daniel Kubis.
Top scorers GRE: Burridge 17 (11 in Q4), Manti 16, Marneth 12, Strelen 11. Racing: Schmit 10, De Sousa Coelho (29, PRT) 9, Haentges 9, Sand 8, Hoffmann 8, Mathis 5 (a late three).
In the table, GRE climb three places to 7th (2-1; recent form: win, loss, win). Racing slip to 4th (2-2) and are now on a two-game losing streak. Haris' side won the key moments: the 13-0 surge in Q3 and Burridge's closing sequence were the game winners in a close finish.
(AI generated)