Enovos League Quarter-Finals Game 2: T71 Advances to Semis, Three Teams Force Decisive Game 3
Luxembourg’s playoff basketball is delivering on its promise. This week, all four quarter-final series (best-of-3 format) produced tight contests, with three matches decided in the final seconds. Only one team managed to close out their series: T71 Dudelange, who edged Arantia Larochette 92-90 to advance to the semi-finals.
T71 Survives the Drama, Arantia Falls at the Buzzer
The T71 Dudelange squad lived through a high-wire act in game 2. Trailing or closely matched throughout, they held firm in the crucial final moments. Maurice Calloo led T71’s balanced offensive effort with 20 points. Arantia had one last chance: Godwin’s potential game-winner at the buzzer came up short. T71 escapes with a 92-90 victory and sweeps the series 2-0, advancing to the final four.
The other three series, however, are headed to game 3.
Three Comebacks, Three Decisive Games Ahead
At Esch-sur-Alzette, Basket Esch fell to Amicale Steinsel 70-78 despite a strong second-half rally. Steinsel controlled the first half and managed their lead despite mounting pressure. Clancy Rugg led Esch with 21 points, while Steinsel’s balanced attack featured Alex Laurent (15 points), Malcolm Richardson (19 points) and Sean Bugeja (14 points). The series is tied 1-1, with game 3 set for Saturday in Steinsel.
The matchup between Résidence Walfer and Sparta Bertrange may have delivered the most dramatic script of the evening. Walfer appeared to be in complete control, jumping out to a 15-3 lead after just four minutes and leading 56-41 at halftime. Yet Sparta engineered a stunning second-half comeback, powered by Jarivs Williams (20 points) and Yannick Verbeelen (15 points). Williams sealed the 79-76 victory with crucial free throws in the final seconds, while Bailey’s potential game-tying shot at the buzzer fell short for Walfer. John Sljachert had nonetheless delivered 23 points for the home team. Game 3 is set for Saturday in Bertrange.
Finally, Kordall Steelers upset Etzella Ettelbruck 85-82 in another nail-biter decided in the closing moments. Erik Timko was the catalyst with 25 points. The two teams will meet again Sunday in Ettelbruck for game 3.
The semi-final picture is beginning to take shape. T71 Dudelange awaits their opponent, which will be determined by Sunday evening at the latest. The three remaining series promise elimination-style game 3s, complete with all the pressure that entails.
Comments (0)