Amicale Steesel B took a 72-66 home win over AB Contern B in this Phase finale game and moved into 1st place (+1), while Contern dropped to 2nd (-1). It was the third meeting between the teams this season after Steesel's 50-49 win and Contern's 66-60 answer.
Oliver Barth's team controlled the first half. AMIB opened 12-5, closed the 1st quarter at 20-10, and then built the biggest lead of the game in the 2nd. After Contern had reduced the gap to 29-23, Steesel answered with an 11-0 run to 40-23. Jona Engel (Season PPG: 8.78) and Phil Linckels (Season PPG: 10.42) gave the home side its early scoring rhythm, while 12-year-old William Santos Ferreira from Cape Verde (Season PPG: 5.67) added strong support around the basket.
Contern reacted well after the break. From 40-27, Jeffrey Schumacher's side produced an 11-2 stretch to 42-38. William Scott Ruppert (Season PPG: 8.17) was at the center of that push and stacked 7 personal points during the run, with Colin Dumont Zimmer (Season PPG: 11.19) also keeping pressure on the defense.
The 4th quarter stayed close. Contern scored 6 points in a row to come from 58-50 to 58-56, then got within 64-63 and later 68-66. Steesel still found the key baskets: Linckels scored for 66-63, Santos Ferreira converted 2 late free throws for 70-66, and Engel sealed the final margin at 72-66. AMIB led the whole way after 2-2 and has now won five straight.
Top scorers were Linckels 23, Engel 18 and Santos Ferreira 16 for AMIB. For CONB, David Lopes Meysembourg (Season PPG: 13.11) finished with 20, Ruppert had 16, Dumont Zimmer 14 and Lex Chiarandini 13.
(AI generated)