AB Contern controlled Leverkusen 71-58 in the W-Tournois E. Weber at contern/central, building a decisive cushion early and managing the gaps late. Leverkusen started fast behind Leonie Kampes (LEK), who knocked down three consecutive triples for a 9-3 lead. Contern answered immediately: Stefanie Grace Kulesza (22, 1.83m, USA) poured in 7 points in a row, then added back-to-back baskets and late free throws to flip the first quarter to 25-19 for CON. A 2nd-quarter surge (18-8) driven by Kulesza and Claleigh Ann Walsh (22, 1.91m, USA) pushed the margin to a game-high +18 (25-43) at halftime.
Leverkusen trimmed after the break through Natalie Villaflor (LEK) and captain Tessa Brugler (LEK), taking the third 14-12, but Contern kept control at 55-41. In the fourth, Esmeralda Skrijelj (30, 1.78m) hit a key three and, after Leverkusen closed to 56-62 on free throws, Contern delivered a 7-0 answer (Kulesza/Walsh/Skrijelj) to 56-69 that settled it.
Kulesza dominated with 33 points (13 twos, 1 three, 4 FTs), Walsh added 19 (two triples) and Skrijelj 6; Ana Petrova (43, 1.71m, BGR) chipped in two threes, while captain Lou Mathieu (30, 1.68m) scored 5. For LEK, Brugler had 15 (7 FTs, 4 twos), Kampes 15 (three threes), Villaflor 14 (three threes, 5 FTs). Contern's edge came inside (21 two-pointers made vs 11 for LEK), while Leverkusen lived at the line (15 FTs). Coach Fabienne Fuger's side also closed quarters better, notably a 13-3 finish to Q1. Walsh briefly flirted with foul trouble after two quick personals in Q2, but remained on court to steer the win.
(AI generated)