Etzella Ettelbruck won a close duel with Basket Esch, 53-49, in a matchup between the new No.1 and No.2 of W-U16 Division 2 Phase 1. Etzella extended its winning streak to four games, while Basket Esch saw a three-game run end.
The game moved in swings. Esch opened the scoring, but Etzella answered well and closed the first quarter on an 8-2 stretch for 15-10. In the second period, Etzella reached 17-10 before Basket Esch reacted with eight straight points to take an 18-17 lead. Emma Klein (12, ETZ) calmed the home side with two free throws, yet Diana Costa De Sousa (LAL) hit a three-pointer to bring the score to 25-25 at halftime.
The turning point came after Basket Esch went up 33-29 in the third quarter. Etzella then produced a 12-2 run, driven by Hannah Maes (15, ETZ), Klein and Inaya Babinyanga Bonyeme (ETZ), to flip the game to 41-35. That sequence changed the rhythm of the contest.
Etzella then built its biggest lead at 52-41 in the fourth quarter. Basket Esch still pushed back hard, finishing on an 8-1 run, but the home side had created just enough margin.
Maes led Etzella with 18 points, including steady inside scoring and key free throws. Klein added 14, with 4 made free throws, and Rica Karamaga (ETZ) contributed 7. Jil Ries (ETZ) scored 6 and was active despite early foul trouble.
For Basket Esch, Costa De Sousa was the main offensive force with 16 points, Emma Muratovic (LAL) added 12, and Lyna Pereira Benzait (LAL) scored 8. Muratovic also stayed involved despite reaching four fouls.
(AI generated)