US Heffingen beat Nitia Bettembourg 45-36 in Heffingen, a game defined by a dominant third quarter from the hosts and a late surge by the visitors.
Heffingen started sharply: after Isabella Alves Novaes scored the opener, Amelia Joan Morton (12, AUS) hit back-to-back layups for 6-0. The first half stayed balanced (13-10, then 23-17 at halftime), with Lina Sertznig and Emma Koenig adding timely baskets. Coach Fabienne Mathgen's team broke the game open right after the break: Lena Kugener (Season PPG: 7.14) drilled two quick baskets to launch a 14-2 stretch, and with Alves Novaes and Koenig joining in, Heffingen won the third period 20-4, building the largest lead at 43-19.
Coach Arnaud Pyee's side answered with character. Bettembourg opened the fourth quarter on a 15-0 run points shared by Chiara Terazzi, Inga Eudier, Nadine Kabbah, Chiara Cataldo and Lara Wies to close to 43-36. Alves Novaes (13, PRT) then halted the drought with the final basket to secure the home win.
Top performers
- Heffingen: Isabella Alves Novaes 12 points; Lena Kugener 10; Emma Koenig 7. Koenig managed 4 personal fouls yet stayed impactful. Morton added 4 early points that set the tone.
- Bettembourg: Inga Eudier 7; Chiara Terazzi 6; Chiara Cataldo 6; Adèle Emma Schmidt 5.
Key sequences
- Heffingen's 3rd-quarter burst (20-4) featured Kugener scoring in a row and steady inside finishing from Alves Novaes.
- Bettembourg's 15-0 start to Q4 brought real suspense before Heffingen closed it out.
Standings impact
Heffingen move up to 2nd (+1) at 2-2. Bettembourg sit 4th (1-3). Form-wise, Heffingen bounced back after two losses, while Bettembourg slide to three straight defeats after a five-game winning streak.
(AI generated)