The Niss’Angels were defeated last night at home against Bourges, with a score of 63-68. The Azuréennes will have to secure their playoff spot next Tuesday against Nantes.
After their victory on the court of Villeneuve d’Ascq, the Cavigal faced another heavyweight of the championship and the continental scene: The Tangos of Bourges, recent Eurocup winners. Rachid Meziane’s players did not disappoint, but the challenge was too tough to overcome.
The Niçoises Dominated Under the Hoop
Right from the start, the Niss’Angels struggled in the paint. Héléna Ciak, the inside player from Bourges, dominated under the baskets. She scored 9 points in the first quarter and the Tangos took an early lead (10-15).
Rachid Meziane, the Nice coach, decided to take a time-out. A tactical adjustment that paid off. 7 consecutive points, notably thanks to Courtney Hurt’s accuracy from mid-range. The Azuréennes took the lead at the end of the first quarter 21-20.
In the second phase, Céline Dumerc’s teammates decided to accelerate. The Azuréennes couldn’t get any easy shots. The Bourges defense was solid, and the local team struggled with their play. Johanna Leedham took control for Bourges by hitting three consecutive three-pointers (25-32).
However, the Azuréennes stayed in the game thanks to flashes of brilliance from Courtney Hurt. At halftime, the visitors had gained the upper hand (27-38).
Bourges in Control
At the start of the second half, Valérie Garnier’s players managed their lead and the pace of the game. Perhaps a little too much. Rachid Meziane attempted a zone defense to disrupt the Tangos’ offense. A successful strategy, as the Niçoises conceded only 12 points in the period.
Towards the end of the quarter, the Niçoises managed to narrow the gap to 6 points, driven chiefly by the relentless Courtney Hurt, well supported by Margot Vidal Genève. 44-50 in favor of the visitors as the final period began.
The 4th quarter mirrored the third. Bourges maintained their lead. Héléna Ciak continued to be effective in the paint. Meanwhile, Djéné Diawara was but a shadow of her former self.
Furthermore, the Angels struggled with their shooting (35% success rate in the quarter). But spurred on by their audience, they managed to come within three points of Bourges with less than two minutes remaining, thanks to a long-range shot by Romy Bar (57-60).
With experience and composure on the free-throw line, it was ultimately the players from the Cher department who won (65-68).
Focus on Nantes
The Cavigal could have secured their playoff spot with a victory. But not all is lost. It will be imperative to win next Tuesday on Nantes’ court to hope to compete in the final four.
