CFBB U18 edged BC Mess 64-61 in Mondercange, a close game on the scoreboard but one that the visitors controlled for long stretches. Denis Toroman's team opened with a 12-0 run and closed the first quarter up 18-7. Mess never led, and U18's biggest margin came at 18-3.
BC Mess responded better in the middle quarters. After trailing 21-31 at halftime, Stéphane Frentzel's side pushed hard behind Keishon Lamont Porter (Season PPG: 24.67, RPG: 7.0, AssPG: 1.5), who exploded for 16 points in the third quarter. His burst brought Mess back from 25-37 to 40-42 entering the last period.
The fourth quarter stayed tense. Max Flechtner (U18) changed the rhythm with 6 straight points for U18, stretching the score from 45-42 to 51-42. Mess answered again, mainly through the 25-year-old 2.03m USA forward Luke Davis (Season PPG: 19.00, RPG: 20.75, AssPG: 2.25), who finished with 24 points, 23 rebounds and 3 blocks, plus the game MVP. Davis also led a 6-0 run that cut the gap to 59-56 late on. U18 still held firm, and Tom Kloos (Season PPG: 11.40, RPG: 4.0, AssPG: 1.6) sealed key late free throws.
Mess had the stronger inside production from Davis and Porter, but their shooting from deep was very low at 3/27 (11%). U18 were more effective from long range with 9/28 (32%) and moved the ball better with 14 assists to 8. Kloos led the winners with 16 points on 6/6 free throws, while Jules Reuter (Season PPG: 8.80, RPG: 2.2, AssPG: 1.4) added 12 before fouling out. Porter also fouled out late after scoring 23.
CFBB U18 now have two wins in a row. BC Mess have lost two straight after opening with four consecutive wins.
(AI generated)