The leader against the underdog, such was the highlight of the 17th day of the Women’s Basketball League on the azure court. The Niçoises defended themselves with their weapons and, despite everything, gave the prestigious Berry team a bit of a tough time.
100-63, the score of the first match between Bourges and Nice, was one of the most significant defeats conceded by the Southerners this season. Just eliminated at the gates of the Euroleague semi-finals by Yakin Dogu Istanbul, Élodie Godin and her teammates were not to take it easy against Wani Muganguzi’s charges, more in danger than ever. “We prepared for this match like all the others,” explains the local coach. “Each time, it’s a clash of extremes.”
Do not be intimidated
Barely two minutes into the jump ball, four fouls, including two against Kendall Cooper, are called by the referees. The Bourgeoises thus take the lead thanks to the free throws obtained (5-9, 2’). Like the American Antiesha Brown, who scored eight points in the first quarter, the Niçoises do not give up and lead the score for more than two minutes (13-12, 6’), before succumbing again (13-18, 8’). Responsible for a third mistake, Kendall Cooper is forced to join the bench to preserve herself for the second half (21-29, 13’). The Niss’Angels then struggle to find offensive solutions against the increasingly incisive visitors near the paint (23-36, 16’). Alexia Chartereau multiplies the attacks and leaves her opponents in the dust before the break (30-43, 19’). “We keep allowing easy baskets,” the azure coach laments. “We must improve our defensive communication.”
Hold mentally and install doubt
At the start of the second half, the game stabilizes further. The locals, now deprived of Kendall Cooper, hang on by toughening their level of play offensively (39-56, 25’), and without further delay (47-58, 27’). During the final round, slight nervousness takes over Olivier Lafargue’s players, who, facing the basket, no longer seem as decisive. Spurred on by Mamignan Touré, the Niçoises claw back points one by one (58-68, 36′) but fail to reverse the trend. The two teams end with a less severe score than the first match: 60-75.
“The outcome of the game remains very encouraging,” reassures Wani Muganguzi. “When we play such a match, we realize that we can go toe-to-toe against a team of this caliber, be within ten points, have the balls to come back but above all, push the opponent into their retrenchments.”
Solène FALAISE
