Widely ahead at the start of the last five minutes, Antibes faltered in overtime against Pau-Lacq-Orthez after having two match points (92-93). The excitement fades after the impressive victory in Hyères. The reception of Châlons-Reims on Friday will be even more important.
The story repeats itself over and over again. Azur Arena long believed in the end of the terrible series of winless matches. At the 35th minute, only a few must have believed in Pau’s success. The duo Otule-Blassingame shone, but Pau showcased incredible mental resources in key moments.
From the start, Blassingame dazzles for Otule. The two men dominate the beginning of the game, and the Antibes center even manages two blocks (7-0, 3rd). But Pau, in slow mode, finds space on the outside and takes the lead with a 9-0 run (7-9, 6th). Julien Espinosa’s men, after a timeout, respond perfectly with an 8-0 run led by the new point guard. Azur Arena enjoys the offensive basketball from both sides (27-21).
A second five in distress
Once the starting five is on the bench, the Sharks struggle, as seen with Diarra, Tornato, and Solomon. Elan Béarnais takes advantage, mainly with three-pointers (6/8 midway through the 2nd QT). The greens widen the gap with Chikoko and Koffi performing well in the paint (32-39, 16th). The Azuréens concede 20 points in less than seven minutes. The Antibes coach chooses this moment to bring back Jerel Blassingame, who dazzles the entire arena. The American finishes the first HT with 12 points, 6 assists, and 5 fouls drawn, allowing his team to lead (47-44).
In control
Chris Otule, again, continues his recital and approaches a double-double midway through the 3rd QT (13pts and 7rebs). Pau is sluggish, scoring only two points in five minutes while Max Kouguere finds his rhythm (59-46, 26th). Antibes no longer grabs offensive rebounds, suffers Pau’s assaults, and concedes a 7-0 run in less than two minutes (59-53, 28th). Fortunately, Blue and Tornato ensure under the basket to keep Pau at a distance (65-58).
DJ Cooper hits where it hurts
From the corner, at the end of possession, Diarra thinks he’s made a decisive basket, just like Solomon a few possessions later (74-64, 35th), but EBPLO reacts. And who else than DJ Cooper could chain improbable shots. His team will finish with 12/26 in three-pointers. The unsporting foul called against Tim Blue, at 2’20” from the buzzer, proves costly. Pau takes the lead (77-78, 38th). Fifty seconds from the end, Cooper stays calm, but Blue responds. The game-winning shot goes to Cordinier, in the corner, but his ball circles the rim. Overtime (82-82).
A gift (or gifts)
Kouguere starts the additional five minutes in the best possible way, with a long-distance shot. Pau doesn’t give up and responds with DJ Cooper, who even draws the fifth foul of Tim Blue. Diarra offers a glimmer of hope, but Koffi extinguishes Azuréens’ hopes 45 seconds from the buzzer. The match points yield nothing but huge regrets. Antibes remains 16th and misses a great opportunity to widen the gap on the red zone.
I.Cordinier (on SFR Sports 2 microphone): “I have the match point, but it doesn’t go in. It’s really hard to lose like this; we give too many second-chance points… We’ll win games with this mentality, and since we play again on Friday, there’s no time to brood…”
Photo credit: official website of Sharks Antibes
