AB Contern beat Amicale Steesel 91-80 in Contern, overturning a halftime deficit with a commanding second half. After a balanced opening (25-24), Amicale surged in the second quarter behind perimeter strikes from Julie Mangen and Mandy Geniets to lead 51-48 at the break. The game flipped after halftime: Esmeralda Skrijelj caught fire from deep and organized the offense, and Contern closed the third up 73-68 before breaking away in the fourth. A 12-4 push capped by back-to-back triples from Skrijelj and Stefanie Grace Kulesza opened the largest gap at 89-75, enough to seal it.
Contern's efficiency and size told: 52% on twos (22/42) and 39% from three (13/33), plus a 55-31 rebounding avalanche (19 offensive). They also moved the ball for 26 assists. Amicale stayed close with perfect free-throw shooting (16/16, excellent) and 42% from three (10/24), but just 34% on twos (17/50) hurt.
Top performers
- Imports: Kulesza (22, 1.83m, USA) earned MVP with 31 points, 15 rebounds, 3/5 from three (excellent) and 9/14 on twos; Caileigh Ann Walsh (23, 1.91m, USA; Season PPG: 23.2, RPG: 8.3) matched 31 points with 14 boards. For Amicale, Desiree Ramos (32, USA; Season PPG: 21.4, RPG: 6.83) posted 24 points, a perfect 7/7 at the line and 3/8 from three.
- Locals: Skrijelj delivered a rare triple-double 18 points, 12 rebounds, 14 assists with all her points from deep (6/15). Geniets added 20, and Marie Stoffel scored 16 with 3/3 FT, including three free throws in a row in the third.
Notable runs and moments
- Amicale strung a 9-2 burst to 35-28 in Q2.
- Skrijelj hit consecutive threes to flip momentum (60-59, 63-61).
- Contern's fourth-quarter surge stretched the lead as high as 14.
Coaches: Fabienne Fuger's team also won the first meeting (89-73) and completes a two-for-two so far. Note in this Enovos League game, Contern lined up two professionals to Amicale's one, a factor in roster power and shot creation.
(AI generated)