Avanti Mondorf edged CFBB U18, 70-65, in a game that swung late after long spells controlled by the hosts. U18 led 14-12 after the first quarter behind an 8-point start from Charel Brettner, and held a 39-35 cushion at halftime despite Uzziah Khalil Dawkins (USA, 25) repeatedly getting to the rim. After three, U18 were still up 55-51.
Early in the fourth, Denis Toroman's team put together a 10-0 run: Jules Reuter scored back-to-back layups, Mathis Dieterlen hit from deep, and Stefan Stoykov drained his fifth triple (65-55). From there, Mondorf closed the game with a 15-0 answer. Dawkins powered inside for three baskets and a free throw, and Joseph Daniel Reuter (22, USA) finished it at the line with four consecutive free throws in the final minute. Mondorf are the winners of a close one.
Numbers explain the swing. Mondorf dominated the paint (28/52, 54% on 2P; good by criteria) and the offensive glass (15 OR), while U18 moved the ball better (16 assists to 4) and hit 10 threes. Despite going 0/17 from three, Mondorf compensated with 24 free throws (14 made) generated by 23 U18 team fouls; U18 attempted only 7 FTs (5 made). Both teams were good from two (U18 15/29, 52%).
Top performers
- Mondorf (non-domestic core): Dawkins posted 36 points and 10 rebounds (double-double, MVP 30.0), and Reuter added 22 points, 17 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks, including the sealing 4/4 FTs in a row.
- Mondorf (domestic group): contributions from Tim and Yann Bartholomey in the key late sequence.
- CFBB U18 (homegrown core): Stoykov led with 17 points on an excellent 5/6 from three; Dieterlen (Season % 1P:100.0, 2P:36.84, 3P:8.70) had 10 points and 7 rebounds; Brettner (1.93m) scored 10 (5/6 2P). El Hadji Modou Thiam Diop added 6 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals.
Coaching notes: Philip David Dejworek's timeout at 62-55 preceded Mondorf's decisive 15-0 run; U18's late timeouts couldn't halt the momentum.
Standings impact: Mondorf move up to 7th (5-6), U18 sit 10th (2-8). Notably, Mondorf fielded two professionals while U18 had none, a factor in N2 depth and closing power.
(AI generated)