The Niss’Angels secured their fourth Eurocup victory in five games on Wednesday night. They achieved success with a score of 67 to 64 against Basket Landes. With this victory, the Azuréennes have a strong chance of qualifying for the Top 16 of the competition.
Three games at Leyrit, and three victories for Cavigal in the Eurocup. On Wednesday night, Rachid Meziane’s players managed to withstand the comeback of Céline Dumerc’s teammates and secured the win in the final moments of the match.
Victoria Macaulay was once again outstanding with 18 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. The American center was, once again, the best player for the Azuréennes. She was well-supported by Ambrosia Anderson (10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist) and Alix Duchet (9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists), who were strong in the clutch moments. It is worth mentioning the remarkable performance of Cierra Bravard for Basket Landes, who scored 28 points.
### The Niss’Angels Lead the Way
Well-led by Victoria Macaulay, who scored 10 of her team’s first 20 points in the first quarter, and aided by the Landaises’ poor shooting, Cavigal took control of the game from the very beginning.
The team from Nice even had an 11-point lead in the second quarter, thanks to a long-distance shot by Camille Aubert (29-18, 15″). However, the locals relaxed and allowed their opponents to close the gap. Cierra Bravard was unstoppable in the paint, and Céline Dumerc brought Basket Landes within three points with a three-pointer at the buzzer, ending the half at 31-28.
At the start of the second half, the Azuréennes still did not capitalize on the Landaises’ poor shooting to create a significant gap. Jodie Cornelie gave Cavigal an 8-point lead with two free throws and a mid-range shot (46-38, 27″). But thanks to two free throws by Céline Dumerc, Basket Landes got back within 6 points before the final quarter began (46-40, 30″).
### The Angels Stand Firm in the Clutch
Romy Bar, the Nice captain, gave her team a bit of breathing room with two free throws at the start of the quarter (48-40). Both teams then traded blow for blow. The Barennes-Bravard duo kept the Landaises close in the score. Bravard even brought her team within 2 points of Cavigal with two minutes left in the game (58-56).
However, Rachid Méziane’s players showed more composure in the final moments of the game, despite the expulsion of their captain Romy Bar, who was replaced by Alix Duchet. Duchet restored a three-point lead for Cavigal with 30 seconds left (63-60). The Niss’Angels just needed to manage and secure the end of the game.
But a foul by Camille Aubert on Céline Dumerc sent the “stealer” to the free-throw line for three shots. However, the Landaises captain cracked under pressure and missed all three. Cavigal could breathe a sigh of relief and eventually won with a score of 67-64.
Thanks to this victory, the team from Nice is co-leader of Group G, tied on points with Venice (7 points).
