AB Contern edged Arantia Larochette 87-79 in the MCoupe de l'Avenir (1/16 finales) after controlling the game early and withstanding a strong late push.
Arantia actually led 9-6 before Contern launched a 13-0 run to 9-19. That burst featured three consecutive baskets by Max Welter (CON), and the visitors closed the first quarter up 21-32. Coach Ayodele's side kept its grip in the second frame, reaching the break 33-48 on steady inside scoring.
Contern's advantage peaked at +19 (53-72) late in the third, driven by Alex Wies (CON) and captain Emil Dostert (CON) attacking the paint, with Nicolas Warken (CON) piling up six 2-point field goals. Arantia rallied in the fourth: captain Charles Wilhelm (ARA) opened with five quick points and later sparked a 7-0 run to pull within 79-85. In the closing moments, Welter (CON) calmly added two free throws to seal it for the visitors.
Top performers
- Contern: Alex Wies (CON) led with 25 points (10x2P, 1x3P, 2x1P). Emil Dostert (CON) had 18, including 6 made free throws, and was a constant presence inside. Max Welter (CON) added 17, combining a firstquarter scoring streak with late gamewinning free throws. Nicolas Warken (CON) scored 12, all from 2point range. Alexandre Lopes Meysembourg (CON) chipped in 7.
- Arantia: Charles Wilhelm (ARA) authored a standout 33 points (11x2P, 3x3P, 2x1P) and led the fourthquarter charge. Philippe Volvert (ARA) scored 12, Noé Bissen (ARA) 9, Jim Spaus (ARA) 8, and Léo Rock (ARA) 7, including a three. Belgian guard David Hansen (ARA), 14, offered timely scoring off the bench with 6.
Coach Osorio Silva's group showed character late, but Contern's early 13-0 run and interior efficiency made the difference. The captains Wilhelm (ARA, 15) and Dostert (CON, 14) both left their mark, with Welter's late free throws acting as the game winners in a contest that tightened to six in the final minute.
(AI generated)
Arantia Larochette 
AB Contern 
