Nitia Bettembourg opened Phase 1 with a controlled 55-34 win over Zesummen Aktiv in Bettembourg. The visitors started sharper and led 13-11 after the first quarter, capped by a three from Sophie Grivet (7). Nitia flipped the game with an 8-0 burst early in the second quarter and went to halftime up 25-17 after a 14-4 period, tightening the screws defensively.
The third quarter decided it: Nitia dominated 16-3, building a 41-20 lead. Jordane Pyee (12) set the tone with Nitia's first six points of the game and added key baskets after the break. Liselotte Eudier (11) strung together five straight in the first quarter, including the team's lone three. Captain Maelle Schillings (16, BEL) added 8 inside, as did Lena Wies (8). Julie De Oliveira (6) and Ana Miruna Trasca (14, ROU) chipped in with timely third-quarter finishes; Hanna Wiejak (4) provided fourth-quarter separation.
ZAK's bright spots came from Helena Skrobek (10) and the duo of Mia Brucklacher (7) and Grivet (7), while Lqurence Kirchen added 6 with two free throws. Francine Muller-Malherbe's side opened the fourth on a 6-0 mini-run, but Jérôme Defer's team answered immediately, pushing the largest lead to 23 (55-32). Nitia allowed just seven points across the second and third quarters, controlling the game's middle stretch.
(AI generated)