For the 21st day of the French Women’s League 2 championship, Cavigal Nice Basket 06 emerged victorious on their home court at Salle Leyrit on Saturday, February 19, 2011, against the Isère team Etoile de Voiron (89-79). A victory that was hard-won and only secured in the final minutes by the Niçoises.
The important thing for the players of Cavigal Nice Basket 06, on this Saturday, February 19, on the court of Salle Leyrit, was first to regain confidence after the defeat suffered at Armentières the previous weekend (53-65). The second goal was to beat Voiron to stay close to the top of the League 2 standings, preferably with a significant point margin. This match was not to be taken lightly, as in the first leg, the Isère team won by eight points (83-75).
One Quarter Each
And the match started in a one-sided manner as Olga Tarasenko’s players dominated the first quarter. Relying on a solid defense and ultra-fast counterattacks, the Azur team built a comfortable lead (they were up by as much as 18 points). Noteworthy during this period was the brilliant performance of the center Fabienne Constant, who scored 12 points. This gap was also due to the visiting team’s inefficiency at mid-range shots and numerous turnovers.
Voiron soon regained their shooting accuracy at the start of the second quarter, especially with three-pointers by their forward Mélanie Venier. In contrast, the Niçoises increasingly took forced shots, hindered by their opponents, who were finding some defensive stability. So much so that by halftime, Cavigal led by only three points (45-42). The third period was not very intense, with both teams maintaining more or less that gap.
Senghor-Sy, Cousin, Ghariani: Winning Trio
It was in the “Money Time” (the last minutes of the match) that the Nice victory was secured. A special mention for three players during these final moments: first, obviously, the center Jeanne Senghor-Sy who finished as the top scorer of the match with 20 points. Second, the point guard Barbara Cousin showed us what it means to be a “warrior.” She fought for every ball without exception, sometimes excessively, as the coaching staff had to calm her down during contentious refereeing decisions. Lastly, the talented guard Majda Ghariani demonstrated qualities in both defense and attack that were crucial for the final victory, 89 to 79.
Although it should be noted that this is the record for the number of points conceded at home this season by Cavigal, it remains a satisfying victory for the teammates of captain Stéphanie Dubois. In practical terms, CNB 06 stabilizes in fourth place in League 2 but remains in close contact with the top three, two points behind the second place Roche Vendée.
The next obstacle: Cavigal will travel, on Saturday, February 26, to face the 12th place team, Graffenstaden.
