AB Contern edged Résidence Walferdange 79-74 in Walfer, reversing this season's head-to-head after two earlier wins by Résidence. The visitors controlled the start (20-13 after Q1), mainly through early free throws and a steady stream of points from Julie Braun Silva, who hit four straight from the line and added a basket for six in a row.
Coach Christophe Fiegen's team answered with a strong second quarter (22-12) to lead 35-32 at the break, Kyra Schanck and Maella Faye giving the offense balance while Jill Stoltz (Season PPG: 16.73) found rhythm. The game turned after halftime: Contern produced a 25-11 third period, built on a 7-0 burst late in the quarter (from 46-49 to 46-56) driven by Emily Quirke and Braun Silva. Contern's largest lead reached +13 at 46-59 early in the fourth.
Résidence mounted a late push behind a blistering final quarter from Caroline Charles (27; 18 points in Q4, Season PPG: 15.55), who strung together back-to-back baskets, then added two triples and repeated trips to the line to pull the hosts within two possessions. Key whistles hurt the comeback: Charles, Faye (12) and Rachel Grivet (6) all fouled out in the last period. Contern also finished with players in foul trouble Céline Kerschen (8) and Kadija Macalou (14) both fouled out but held firm.
For Contern, Braun Silva (Season PPG: 24.55) equaled her season high with 37 and was decisive in every quarter. Quirke, the 15-year-old Irish guard (Season PPG: 13.82), added 19 and converted important free throws in the second half; Kerschen chipped in 8. For Résidence, Charles and Stoltz (17) led the response, with Schanck (7) and Faye supporting before the foul-outs.
In the championship round table, Contern sit second while Résidence are fourth. Coach Dave Schroeder's adjustments out of halftime and Contern's third-quarter surge made the difference in a tight finish.
(AI generated)