T71 Dudelange retains Total League

T71 Dudelange retained the Total League after defeating Amicale Steinsel 80-86 to win the best of three finals series 2-1. The club is the champion of Luxembourg for the second consecutive season and for the fourth time in five seasons after also tasting glory in 2010, 2011, and 2013.

After Amicale squared the series on Friday the finals series went to a decider and T71 Dudelange emerged victorious after a comfortable game that got nervy in the last frame.

Amicale Steinsel vs. T71 Dudelange, 80-86
From the first tip off T71 looked in control and dictated play throughout the first quarter, finding the basket with consistency and defending well. The visitors stunned Amicale during the first stanza and held an 11-24 at the first break. The hosts responded well in the second quarter and found rhythm at both ends of the court to outpace Dudelange through the period. At halftime Amicale had clawed into the deficit, with the scoreboard reading 34-41. T71 Dudelange still held a steady advantage heading into Q3 and the away team made it count by outscoring Amicale 19-25 through the ten minutes to lead 53-66. The game looked won, but the hosts made it tense down the stretch with an impressive final frame that saw them put 27 on the board. T71 held on by scoring 20 points of their own and to claim a second straight Total League title.

Tom Schumacher poured in 27 points for the winning effort, while Ryan Sharry had a stunning double-double of 20 points and 17 rebounds. Gilles Ruffato also had a good all round game with 18 points, 5 boards, and 6 assists.

John Reimold pushed Amicale with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. There were two other 20 point games in the losing camp, with Bob Melcher notching 20 and Billy McDaniel also netting that amount.