the TMB must close ranks against Rennes

Tours
Rennes

The Christmas break is approaching and, if the TMB (5^e) wants to take full advantage of it, he knows what he still has to do, this Friday evening during the Rennes reception (10^e). After the defeat and the disappointing performance against Toulouse, last Friday (81-88 AD), victory remains strongly recommended for the Tourangeaux, under penalty of perhaps losing their place in the provisional top 7, synonymous with the top group in second phase.

“This match is indeed very important for both teamsestimates the Touraine coach, Cédric Heitz. After our disappointment last week, at home, we will have to work harder! »

Eliminate ball losses

And erase the errors which were costly against the Toros, starting with the lost balls (24). Too many “gifts” before their time which notably weighed down the TMB in overtime. Fragile control of the ball at times which required specific work. “Against Toulouse, we shot well but we failed in terms of ball lossesunderlines the coach. In a close and balanced match, the difference was made in this aspect. We reviewed the different ball loss situations and worked on them to ensure that we did not repeat these problems. »

Because with the reception of Rennais just as aggressive as the Toulouse, particularly on the ball carriers and the pick and roll, the ability of the Tourangeaux to develop their game without too much waste will once again pass a serious test.

“Rennes is a bit the same profile as Toulouse in certain aspects, that is to say with a multitude of possible defenses, fast play and three-point potential, confirms Cédric Heitz. There are a lot of threats at all levels on this team and the three-point shot is one of them.  »

Rennais also in search of points

The defensive intensity, with variable geometry against the Toulouse team, will therefore have to be engaged at high speed this time, for forty minutes. Because each relaxation, each lack of rigor, will be punished by Rennes fans of fast play. And if the URB (10^e7V, 9D) remains on a complicated series of seven losses in eight games (only one success snatched from Vitré during the derby, 63-67), she will not give up. “They won by thirty-one points in Toulouse and lost by one point against Tarbes, prefers to highlight Cédric Heitz. This is far from being a team that is not competitive. »

Like the Toulouse team last weekend, it is a team in search of points and a start that will indeed appear on the floor of the Monconseil hall. Rennais who, like the Toros, remain players capable of shooting with good percentages outside and putting a lot of intensity thanks to a young and dynamic squad.

Win to enjoy the truce

The TMB had also suffered this pressure in the very last minutes in Ille-et-Vilaine, being overthrown (68-76 in the 35^e then 86-83) under the leadership of the Breton leader and captain, Lucas Fontaine.

To avoid being trapped again, the Tourangeaux are expected to be more constant and regular in their management and their defensive and collective efforts. Even with a workforce undoubtedly still reduced, with physical problems “which did not allow us to have a normal week of training and still left unknowns…”

A success would not only allow the TMB to enjoy the truce, but also to attack 2025, and this 8^e exciting Coupe de France final against Le Mans on January 7 at Monconseil, with even more fun.

This Friday, December 20 at 8 p.m., Monconseil hall.

MB Towers: Turner, Leon, Sylla, Drouault, Bequignon, Minfir, Dargenton, Andre, Paschal. Ent. : C. Heitz.
Rennes : Ngufor, Fontaine, Ekwakwe-Priso, Cadiau, J. Sclear, Billong, Sekou-Conde, Selebangue, Thillier, Haidara. Ent. : B. Demeure.

> Christmas sweater competition and stuffed toy toss. Note that for this “Christmas Game” in front of the URB, this Friday, December 20, the Touraine club invites the public to participate in the event with a Christmas sweater competition (with photo booth), as well as a throw stuffed animals at half-time in support of Secours Populaire Français.