Rarely has a first round BCL match been marked by as many extra-sporting events as that between Nanterre 92 and Hapoel Holon. A question of closed doors, a strong police presence around and within Maurice-Thorez before, during and after the meeting, which did not prevent intrusions by demonstrators on the floor and scuffles in the stands. While many tensions emanated from this decisive meeting, Nanterre 92 managed to ignore it to win (87-77) and thus qualify with home advantage for the BCL play-in!
Intrusions, scuffles, CRS: a long stoppage of play at the start of the second half
Despite this heavy context, Nanterre produced a rather controlled production against Hapoël Holon. Skillful (10/25 at 3-points), dominant in rebounding (40 including 13 offensive) and diligent (24 assists for 11 lost balls), the Ile-de-France residents logically won against the Israeli team. After a balanced first period, the Hauts-de-Seine team made the difference after the break… and in particular an interruption due to the ambient tension which interfered in the game.
At the start of the 3rd quarter, after only 1 minute and 39 seconds of play, the game was stopped due to the intrusion of several pro-Palestine activists onto the floor. Following this, scuffles began and broke out in the stands. Thus, several cordons of CRS and security agents were formed around the field, but also near the Israeli team’s bench, where several dozen Hapoel Holon supporters were seated.
Activists with Palestinian flags entered the field in the second half.
CRS at a basketball match in France, rare image!
The nerves also rose in the stands.
It was from this break (42-43, 21’39) that Nanterre really began to stand out, notably thanks to 7 points from Desi Rodriguez (15 points at 6/16 on shots) during this 3rd quarter. In the final period, the Altoséquanais were able to keep their opponent at bay, helped by the versatility of Paul Lacombe (10 points on 4/8 shooting, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 interceptions and 1 block for 23 evaluation).
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“It’s a victory that represents a lot of pride”underlined Philippe Da Silva, before adding later: “The boys were heroic”. Having gotten off to a bad start after losing the two matches in its group against Igokea, Nanterre 92 nevertheless reached the BCL play-in, with home advantage to boot. At this new stage of the competition, the Ile-de-France residents will challenge the Belgians from Ostend, in a two-way format with a reception at Maurice-Thorez for the second match.
