Avanti Mondorf controlled Nitia Bettembourg 80-64 in the Tour qualificatif of Nationale 2, building the win with a decisive third quarter after a balanced first half (21-20, 23-18, 25-8, 11-18).
Mondorf opened 6-0 through Jonathan Maximilian Daiminger and Joseph Daniel Reuter, forcing an early Nitia timeout. Nitia responded through El Hadji Modou Thiam, who strung together free throws and a layup, but Mondorf edged the first period. The second quarter swung back and forth: Jrme Bous hit three triples in the period to push Nitia ahead 28-32, before Uzziah Khalil Dawkins (25, USA) and Reuter powered a 16-6 finish to 44-38 at halftime.
The game broke open right after the break. Mondorf produced a 23-6 surge to 69-46, their largest lead (+23), with Sven Bartholomey scoring back-to-back baskets, Reuter adding 9 points in the quarter and Dawkins relentlessly attacking inside. Nitia won the fourth behind a Christopher Teck (1.70m) three, plus contributions from Bous, Chris Leclerc and Thiam, but the gap remained.
Key numbers: Mondorf shot a good 60% on 2s (28-47) despite 19% from three, while Nitia hit a good 43% from deep (10-23) but only 57% at the line. Turnovers told the story (Nitia 26, Mondorf 9), offsetting Nitia's rebounding edge (34-28).
Leaders - Mondorf: Reuter (23 pts, 9 reb, 6 stl, 7-8 FT, MVP), Dawkins (Season PPG: 24.33, RPG: 6.63, AssPG: 4.13) with 22 pts, 12-19 on 2s, 8 ast, 7 reb; Daiminger (19, DEU) added 12 pts on 6-7 2P. Bartholomey chipped in 10, including a timely three before halftime.
Leaders - Nitia: Teck 12 pts (3-4 3P), Bous 11 with three triples, Leclerc 10, and Thiam 11 pts, 6 reb (Season PPG: 9.00, RPG: 7.29). Louis-Stphane Lobe Lobas battled for 7 boards.
Mondorf, coached by Philip David Dejworek, sign a second straight win after four losses. Nitia, under Bradley Gene Melton, remain in search of their first victory. Note: Mondorf fielded two professional players, Nitia none, a factor at this level.
(AI generated)