Etzella Ettelbruck edged Basket Esch B 71-64 in W-Nationale 2, a game defined by swings of momentum and a strong start by the hosts. Amadeo Dias ep. Bordang's team opened 22-9 after 10 minutes, with Amina Kocan striking twice in succession early and Etzella stretching their largest lead to +18 at 27-9 at the start of the second quarter.
Raouf Hatira's side then reacted. Rocana Burgund (21, 1.80m) authored the comeback with 12 points in the second period and later strung together five straight points (a 2 and a 3) early in the third to trim it to 45-40. Halftime read 41-35, and despite Esch's push, Etzella kept a two- to three-possession cushion through the third (60-52).
The hosts' answer came repeatedly from Celina Santos, who piled up baskets throughout and finished with 26 points, matching her season best (Season PPG: 8.5). Kocan added 24 and played through foul trouble (4), while Léa Gomes contributed 14 with two timely triples and a late free throw. In the fourth, Santos and Kocan rebuilt the margin to 71-59; Esch scored the last five points, capped by a Cynthia Dohn three, to set the final score.
Top performers
- Etzella: Celina Santos (Season PPG: 8.5) 26; Amina Kocan (Season PPG: 7.7) 24; Léa Gomes (Season PPG: 5.09) 14.
- Esch B: Rocana Burgund 28; Cynthia Dohn (Season PPG: 7.0) 13; support from Lisa Engel and Laura Hartmann.
Etzella's young core, led by the 16-year-old Santos, handled the key moments after Esch's surge. The result lifts Etzella to 9th in the standings, while Basket Esch B remain 11th. It also stops Etzella's run of defeats.
(AI generated)