Led by Kouguere and Blassingame, the newcomer, the Antibes team won the Mediterranean derby 75-61 on HTV Basket’s court. A victory that restores confidence to a team that has been struggling for many weeks.
Oh, how good it feels for the morale! After six consecutive losses, the Sharks leave the Var region with a very important victory in the race for survival. Trailing for three quarters of the match, Julien Espinosa’s men executed a perfect final quarter (25-8) and delighted the supporters who made the short trip.
Right from the start, Max Kouguere scores from long range. The first of a long series. But HTV, in a slow start, finally joins the game and takes the lead thanks to Howard and Evans, two troublemakers this Friday evening. Otule and Cordinier open their scoring accounts and keep Antibes in touch (11-11, 5th minute). The gap never exceeded four points. At the buzzer, Tornato, well assisted by Solomon, equalizes (20-20).
Blassin’ already in the “game”
Paul Carter, a former team member, and Williams hit three-pointers. HTV creates a first significant gap (20-26, 12th minute). But Cordinier’s activity and Blassingame’s first points (3), in his new colors, counteract it (25-28). The new playmaker takes charge of the team, doing so impressively, scoring 9 points in the 2nd quarter. The young Howard and Evans, again, are accurate (30-34, 17th minute; 33-37, 18th minute). Tim Blue, in the corner and at the buzzer, successfully attempts a long-range shot. The Sharks go to the locker room with a slight one-point delay (38-39).
Third quarter shared
Antibes supporters and followers always dread the 3rd quarter, particularly the 25-26th minutes, which have never been favorable to them. But tonight Max Kouguere had the hot hand. Twice, with three-pointers, he puts his team in the lead (45-42, 24th minute). Yes, the Var team scores a 9-0 run with Ryan Evans continuing his work (he will finish with 17 points and 9 rebounds). But, at the very end of the quarter, Kouguere, once again, keeps Antibes in the game (50-53).
The recital
Howard, with a three-pointer, perfectly launches HTV, but the locals experience 6 scoreless minutes. Antibes’ playmakers spring into action and it’s exhilarating. Blassingame sets the pace with three long-distance baskets within less than 4 minutes (55-56, 33rd minute; 67-58, 38th minute). He is well supported by Bourdillon, who rouses the Antibes contingent, Hyères-Toulon doesn’t respond anymore. The Sharks’ number 8 completes one of the best quarters of the season. Julien Espinosa and his staff can breathe a sigh of relief and smile, as their players just delivered a 25-8 in 10 minutes to win by 14 points (75-61). With 19 points (6/9 three-pointers), 8 rebounds, and a rating of 25, Max Kouguere is logically named MVP of the match.
Time to rest before a new day on Monday, with the reception of Pau-Lacq-Orthez, defeated by Portel. On Friday, still at the Azur Arena, Antibes will host Chalôns-Reims in an important match for staying in the league.
Frédéric Bourdillon:
“We’re super happy, now we need to keep it up. We have two home games, we’d like to bag 3 wins in 8 days. Jerel (Blassingame) already does us a huge favor. We regain confidence for what’s next. It’s really nice to have so many Antibes fans supporting us (about 70 of them), we’re pushing our limits thanks to them.”
Jérôme Alonzo (Sharks ambassador):
“Blassingame is the ‘X factor’ we needed. He played a great game, bringing his energy and intelligence. Let’s not forget Max (Kouguere) who kept us in it throughout the match. I’m very happy for the team, it’s a great evening.”
