In an unfavorable draw after the first leg in Germany (60-45), the Tarbaises must go up 16 points, this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Quai de l’Adour, to be able to move on to the next round.
There are two matches left at TGB before enjoying the end-of-year festivities and, above all, a restorative break for the organizations. But first, two meetings are on the program and not just any since before a last trip in the championship, Saturday 21, to Chartres which could consolidate the Tarbaises at the top of the LWB ranking, the latter must fulfill, this evening, of their last performance of the year at the Quai de l’Adour in the EuroCup.
The true face of the Tarbaises
“All the matches are important and I hope that after Basket Landes we will be able to repeat this performance” confirmed François Gomez, referring to the victory (74-63) of his players against the Landes.
It is true that after such a feat last Saturday, we say to ourselves that the flow of 16 points to qualify for the round of 16 is ultimately not an unattainable challenge.
On the sole condition of seeing the true face of the TGB which undermined the big Mont-de-Marsan team, which is confirmed by the Tarbais coach: “They (the Tarbaises, Editor’s note) showed themselves the way to follow to meet Keltern and go up 15 points. If we are not at this level of aggressiveness and intensity, the Germans will keep their lead. We can win but there are 15 points to go and we will have to rely on the entire squad.”
Intensity is precisely what his players lacked on the Keltern field where the weak performance of the Tarbes team and especially their lack of skill (20 successful shots out of 57 including 3/16 to three points) sounded the wake-up call for their opponents.
The TGB with confidence
Of course, this evening, the context will be different because the TGB has reassured itself in the championship where it remains on two victories two ranks: one, clear and flawless at Roche Vendée and the other, acquired through a hard struggle after having repelled the mental and physical limits facing the Landeses.
“This is what we needed. Regain confidence because on Wednesday we play again against the Germans and we will have to win by 16 points if we want to move on to the next round” mentioned Jess-Mine Zodia who also launched an appeal to the supporters: “We will need people with us for us encourage. »
Keltern first, Chartres then, two important matches in the final: “To continue the adventure in the European Cup and challenge Montpellier to reach a quarter-final”; Chartres then “to head towards the holidays with a positive balance of 6 victories and 5 defeats” summarizes François Gomez.
The comeback operation begins this evening, at the Tarbes sports center, to maintain the European dream of a TGB which does not plan to lower its flag in the round of 16.
