First-ranked T71 Dudelange controlled this Phase finale game from the first quarter and beat fifth-ranked Arantia Larochette 81-47, with no change in the standings for either side. It was T71's third win over Arantia this season, after earlier margins of 39 and 40 points, and it also extended T71's winning streak to 18 games.
Arantia started well and led 5-2 behind Suellen Santos Cruz and captain Nora Hansen, but the game turned quickly. T71 answered with an 8-0 run to go in front, then after Arantia had closed to 10-9, Mike Baseggio's team finished the opening period on a decisive 17-2 burst for 27-11. That first break created the separation. T71 kept the pressure in the second quarter and reached halftime at 43-21.
Arantia's best spell came after the break. Joao Pedro Osorio Silva's team won the third quarter 18-12 and cut the gap to 55-39, mainly through Hansen (Season PPG: 9.13) and Santos Cruz (Season PPG: 12.00). Santos Cruz hit key shots in that phase, including consecutive baskets, while Hansen kept attacking and finished with 13 points. Clara Walter (Season PPG: 2.81) added 8 points.
The fourth quarter removed any suspense. T71 opened it by stretching the lead again and closed the game with a 26-8 period, reaching a highest lead of 34 points. Lara Jemming (Season PPG: 17.56), the 18-year-old 1.72m guard, led all scorers with 27 points and matched her season high. She had strong support from Mina Baseggio (Season PPG: 11.83) with 14 points, Matilde Pego Pinto (T71) with 13, including 10 in the first quarter, and captain Alana Krings (Season PPG: 10.18) with 11. T71 placed four players in double figures and dictated the game whenever its tempo rose.
(AI generated)