ADA Blois : 89
Gravelines-Dunkirk: 92
Even without Wembanyama around, the Tennis court was still full this Saturday, February 11 in Blois. But, while a scenario identical to that of last weekend loomed before the eyes of some 2,728 spectators, the ADA this time missed its chance in money-time. Mickaël Hay’s men, the only BCM scorers in their Sportica lair so far this season, lost in turn at home (89-92).
The ADA was conducted almost the entire encounter
If it is the ADA who open the scoring, the BCM attack hard this meeting, inflicting a 9-0 on their hosts (2-9, 3e). But Sow is working to hook up the Blois wagons to the northern train (12-13, 5e), before Smith then Tyren Johnson restored the lead to theirs (19-18, 8e). But decidedly well launched, the Gravelines-Dunkerque players resumed their lead with a Boyton who had been well inspired since the start of the game and who even won a final basket at the buzzer signaling the end of the first quarter (21-27, 10e).
Through his captain Cornely who pulls away alone to score before intercepting a ball for Cingala-Mata – who will find him twice the circle –, the Blésois pick up the score (27-27, 13e). But once again, the Northerners have not said their last word and manage to stand out, thanks to Robinson in particular, by inflicting a 9-0 on ADA (27-36, 15e). However, faults are linked side BCM. After the and one picked up by Cornely, an unsportsmanlike whistle is whistled at Benke on Rigot who achieves a 2 out of 2 on the free throw (32-35, 15e). Enough to make Laurent Legname take a time out.
The intractable 3-point BCM
We have to believe that this is paying off since his players – intractable at 3 points in this first period (70%) – manage to regain a nine-point lead (36-44, 17e) before Mickaël Hay in turn recalls his men. A call to order which does not bear as much fruit on the Blois side. Despite Ndiaye’s interception in the closing seconds, Sow is running out of time to close the gap further. It is therefore with a deficit of six points that the ADA joins the locker room (41-47, 20e).
If Sow, the strong man of the ADA at the moment, revives the Blois machine well (45-49, 21e), on the side of Gravelines-Dunkerque, it is Robinson who is a hit. With 100% success at 3 points, the leader of the BCM allows his team to stay ahead (45-52, 22e). Well helped by Justin Johnson – and the clumsiness of Blois – the northern team this time widened the gap to 10 points (48-58, 24e). It has the merit of waking up the ADA, which begins a comeback and thereby ignites the tennis court. Tyren Johnson and Sow bring out the heavy artillery and equalize (60-60, 26e). The two teams are struggling but the BCM regains the advantage before the last quarter (66-70, 30e).
A fatal money-time in Blois
The blunders are linked on the side of Blois which again lets Gravelines-Dunkerque slip away to more than 8 points (68-76, 33e). Also lacking success in shooting, the Blésois are still lagging behind (73-82, 36e), enough to make Mickaël Hay take a time-out. It’s laborious but Blois hangs on. Tyren Johnson proves, again, that he still has it under his belt and, with a 3-point shot, brings the ADA back to two short lengths (85-87). There are 36 seconds left to play.
The Tennis player who remembers the last match begins to believe it. A game of time-outs and fouls will ensue. If Boyton succeeds in his throws, behind, Blois puts into play quickly and Ndiaye slams a dunk (87-89). Time-out for the BCM. Tyren Johnson manages to make his way to the basket alone, the lay-up reaches his hands and yet… The one who was the savior of the ADA last weekend and the one who misses the golden opportunity tonight . There are 10 seconds left. Despite the fast game behind, Blois must face the facts, there will be no miracle this time. The ADA thus concedes a new defeat before the international break.
