malaussanne 73 – montauban 60
The roller coaster continues this season for the Montalbanese. A success in the derby against Cahors / Sauzet and we thought that the machine was launched … but it was not. After their brilliant success against Hagetmau last week, there was a good feeling that the Montalbanese players were leaving with a new mindset. The brand new coach Yassault Cavé had managed to restore enthusiasm and form to his group, which needed it very much. On the field, the team seemed transformed. What is there to finally impose yourself away from the multisport room? Que nenni … Unfortunately, these assets were completely absent on Saturday during the trip to Béarn. And yet … Classified at the bottom of the table as Montauban, the locals seemed to be within reach of the Tarn-et-Garonnais. For the MBC, the challenge was to hold on defense, and they did it, even quite well, for much of the match. But in a basketball game you can’t get away with being good only in one area. Because this time it was the attack that floundered. The Montalbanese tirailleurs were absent at the appointment and what could have been a first away win, turned into failure. The first quarter was mostly a defensive struggle under the baskets. Both teams are looking at each other and staying cautious. The score advances at the speed of the turtle in front of a somewhat sparse audience. At the end of the first 10 minutes, the Montauban basket club is in its plans with four lengths ahead. Everything suggested, at that moment of the match, that things were going to be fine for the visitors. But lo and behold, the demons of the Montalbanese also made the move, and their interventions in the second quarter were felt.
A 21-7 that hurts a lot
Unable to score, the MBC is unrecognizable. Malaussanne Mazerolles easily sticks to the board and even makes the break, inflicting a severe 21 to 7 in this second period of play. The half is whistled to the advantage of the Béarnais (34-24).
But nothing is lost for Montauban. At the beginning of the third quarter, Thibault Cavé’s men show a desire to do well, but this desire will still be without results. The locals continue their conqueror’s path and accentuate their lead to attack the last quarter with 13 points of gap (53-40). These 13 points they will also keep them until the end because in the last period of play, Montauban will level the game but in no case will have the strength to come back and get the hold-up. A blow for the MBC who once again is in a very complicated situation before receiving a team that is growing in power, namely Valencia Condom, former club of National 2. We will have to be very, very strong to win next Saturday in Montauban, but do you ever know.
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