Basket Esch edged Amicale Steesel 70-66 in a close W-ENOVOS League qualifier in Esch, decided by a late three from Katia Jemming that set the final score after Amicale had closed to 67-66. The game evolved in waves: Esch led 19-14 after the first quarter, Amicale answered to level it 34-34 at halftime, and Esch rebuilt a 53-50 cushion after three. Early in the fourth, Esch strung together a 7-0 run (Likhtarovich, Nibbelink, Jaksic) to 60-53, their largest lead (+8 at 65-57), before Amicale surged back on a personal 5-0 by Desiree Genevieve Ramos to make it a one-point game. Jemming's clutch triple proved the winner.
Esch's backcourt/wing tandem set the tone: Jovana Jaksic (23) and Tatsiana Likhtarovich (19) combined for 42 points. Likhtarovich (37, BLR) was perfect at the line (4/4) and hit 60% from three, while Jaksic delivered 3/4 from deep and navigated brief foul trouble after two quick whistles in Q3. Inside, Eden Elizabeth Nibbelink added 12 (5/6 on twos). Among the local core, Kyra Coulon chipped in 9 and made key free throws. Coach Karim Elbaoune's team protected the ball superbly (only 4 turnovers) and shot an excellent 100% on free throws, with good rates on twos (53%) and threes (42%).
For Amicale, Brazil Ronelle Harvey-Carr (AMI) led all scorers with 28, combining an excellent 85.7% on twos and 66.7% from three, topping the game's MVP ranking. Ramos added 21 and fueled the late push; Lara Maria Lepage Post scored 9. Among the homegrown contributors, Julie Mangen ran the backcourt and drew contact; Marie Stoffel hit a key three in Q3. Coach Paul Missavage's side was dangerous from distance (50% 3P, excellent) and efficient on twos (69%, good) but left points at the stripe (50%) and suffered from 12 turnovers.
Esch halted a two-game skid, while Amicale could not build on their previous win.
(AI generated)