AB Contern edged Musel Pikes 79-70 in Stadtbredimus, prevailing with a decisive fourth quarter to sweep the season series after the 64-39 win in the first meeting. Contern, coached by Fabienne Fuger, opened 0-6 behind two quick threes from Caileigh Ann Walsh and stayed narrowly in front after 10 minutes (20-22). Stefanie Grace Kulesza imposed her rhythm in the second period and Contern reached halftime up 38-44.
Musel, under Marc Hahnemann, flipped the script with a 22-12 third quarter. Alexis Pomaika'i Pana (7 points in the period) and Julie Nilles drove a 10-0 swing that pushed the hosts to their largest lead, 60-53. The last act belonged to Contern: Kulesza trimmed the gap, Esmeralda Skrijelj tied it at 60-60 from the line, Pana briefly restored a 63-60 edge, but Ana Petrova buried back-to-back threes for 63-68. Walsh then strung together seven consecutive points to make it 65-75, and Contern's advantage peaked at +12 before Pana's late three closed the final margin. Contern finished the quarter on a 23-10 surge.
Shooting told part of the story. Contern hit 60% on twos (12/20, good) while Musel struggled inside (27/58, 47%). Musel's 88% at the line (15/17, good) kept them in touch, but both teams were cold overall from deep (CON 29%, MUS 28%) aside from timely makes: Walsh (3/5, excellent) and Pana (4/7, excellent). On the glass, Contern's 31 defensive rebounds blunted Musel's 13 offensive boards; turnovers were close (10-11).
Walsh (28 points, 9 rebounds; Season PPG: 22.92, RPG: 9.0, AssPG: 2.0) and Kulesza (27; Season PPG: 22.67, RPG: 10.58) powered Contern, with Petrova adding 9 on 3/6 from three. Skrijelj delivered a rare triple-double: 10 points, 11 rebounds, 13 assists (1.78m, 30). For Musel, Pana (18; Season PPG: 11.67, RPG: 6.30, AssPG: 2.80) and Mackenzie Caroline Farmer (15; 1.88m, 26, CAN; Season PPG: 16.89) led, supported by Anne Mreches (11) and Nilles (10 on 3/3 twos).
Contern climb to 3rd (7-5) and extend their winning run to three. Musel sit 6th (2-10), their skid now at four.
(AI generated)