T71 Dudelange controlled its W-U16 Division 1 trip to Contern, winning 57-38. The game turned on momentum swings and a dominant third quarter.
Contern struck first through Emily Quirke (CON) for 2-0, but T71 answered with a 9-0 run sparked by Matilde Pego Pinto to go up 2-9 and close the first quarter 16-10. Early on, captain Celine Kerschen picked up two quick fouls, which would matter later. Contern's best spell came across the turn of the quarters: Julie Braun Silva (CON) strung together three straight baskets for a personal 6-0 that pulled it to 15-16. From there, T71 closed the half on a 10-0 surge to 26-15 behind Jana Dos Santos Dramicanin and Marie Beffort Neuman.
The third period was decisive. Ghalia Hatim hit two triples and added a two plus a free throw, while Dos Santos Dramicanin kept finding seams, stretching the gap to 47-25. The highest lead reached +24 (23-47). Late in the quarter, Katarina Barbic was whistled for two quick personals, but T71's cushion held. In the fourth, Veena Burgund scored five in a row (2+3) and Jil Jander added a triple for 57-34, before Quirke closed with a 4-0 for the hosts.
Top performers:
- AB Contern: Julie Braun Silva (CON) poured in 21 points, including a late three, and Quirke (15, IRL) added 7. Kerschen had 4 but fouled out in the fourth after prolonged foul trouble.
- T71 Dudelange: Matilde Pego Pinto (Season PPG: 11.0) led with 12, Dos Santos Dramicanin (T71) added 10, Hatim (T71) and Burgund (T71) chipped in 9 each, Beffort Neuman scored 8.
Coaches: Yves Marchi's side dictated after halftime; Dave Schroeder's team won the fourth 13-10 but the third-quarter breakaway settled it.
Standings impact: T71 moves to 3-0 and first place, extending its winning streak to three. Contern sits third at 1-2.
(AI generated)