The Niss’Angels pulled off a surprise in the 24th game day with a 66-58 victory on the court of Villeneuve d’Ascq. With two games remaining in the regular season, Cavigal is on the verge of the playoffs.
They toppled the European vice-champions. The newly promoted team from the southeast went on to dominate, on their home ground, the recent finalists of the Eurocup (the second tier of the European Cup) against Bourges. An outstanding performance that puts Rachid Méziane’s squad one win away from securing a place in the playoffs, a rarity for a club coming from LF2.
Between third and fourth place, the balanced match was logical. In the first quarter, the Niçoises momentarily took the lead (17-13, 7th minute), but the first quarter ended in a tie (17-17). The back-and-forth in the second quarter lasted only three minutes. The Northerners went on a 9-0 run (22-19, 12th minute then 22-28, 15th minute) and maintained their lead until halftime. Villeneuve d’Ascq led 37-31.
+14 in the second half
Accustomed to quality second halves, Cavigal made up some of their deficit before the 23rd minute (38-39), but the Northerners responded with a 5-0 run to regain a 6-point lead (38-44, 25th minute). That was the moment chosen by the Niçoises to accelerate. Courtney Hurt scored 6 consecutive points and Margot Vidal-Genève made her free throws. At the end of the third quarter, it was Nice in front (54-49).
The start of the fourth and final quarter clearly favored the Niçoises, who did not concede any points for 4 minutes and 27 seconds. At the start of “money-time,” Cavigal held a 6-point lead (55-49). ESBVA-LM closed to within two points with 3 minutes remaining, but Djéné Diawara and then MVP Courtney Hurt extended the lead back to 7 points (62-55, 38th minute). Neither Isabelle Strunc nor Hind Ben Abdelkader faltered at the free-throw line in the final minute.
One win to secure the playoffs
Cavigal will play Bourges on Saturday at Leyrit (8 PM) for the gala match before ending the season at Nantes-Rezé. The Niçoises must win one game to be assured of securing a playoff spot. If they lose both, Charleville-Mézières, in 5th place, will need to win in Lyon and defeat Angers. In simple terms, Nice has a very high chance of making it to the final four and will play in the European Cup next year.
Photo credit: Cavigal Nice Basket
