Avanti Mondorf edged BC Mess 83-78 in the Loterie Nationale Cup 1/16-finals in Mondorf, overturning a 13-point second-half deficit with a dominant fourth quarter.
Mess controlled early behind Cobie Logan Barnes (24, 1.95m, USA), who set the tone in a 23-16 first period. The visitors kept their foot down to lead 44-37 at half and stretched it to 54-41 in the third after two triples from Noah Bertolini (MES). Mondorf trailed 64-56 after three.
The game flipped midway through the fourth. Down 60-68, Mondorf stitched together a 13-1 surge: Uzziah Khalil Dawkins (MON) scored, Sven Bartholomey (MON) added two, Tim Bartholomey (MON) tied it with a three (69-69), Joseph Daniel Reuter (MON) put them ahead from the line, then Tim struck again from deep and Reuter finished at the rim for 75-69. Mess replied through Jos Junior Andrade Monteiro (MES) and Deanthony Kendrick McCallum (MES), but Dawkins hit a key three for 79-72 and then sank late free throws to keep Mondorf in front. The hosts closed the fourth 27-14.
Dawkins (MON) delivered 38 points (8/13 FT, 9/16 2P, 4/10 3P), 9 rebounds and 6 assists, drawing 12 fouls. Reuter (MON) added 19 points and 9 rebounds with excellent finishing inside (7/8 2P), while Tim Bartholomey (MON) chipped in 12 from long range. Lou Mertens (22, 1.98m) provided timely third-quarter scoring.
For Mess, Barnes posted a double-double with 34 points and 12 rebounds plus 6 assists, while McCallum (MES) had 22. Bruno Zinédine Gauthier (MES) added 6. Mess shot good percentages from 2 (57.5%) and 3 (38.1%), Mondorf was strong inside (59% 2P). Turnovers (MES 15, MON 6) and Mondorf's fourth-quarter shot-making decided the late stages.
Coaches: Philip David Dejworek guided Mondorf's late adjustments; Fernand Musquar's Mess led for three quarters before the tide turned.
(AI generated)