> The essentials
Beaten a second time by Orchies, the Toros, who lost too many balls to be able to hope to win despite their skill, saw their chances of qualifying for the play-offs evaporate. But tiny, they still exist. They have one week to prepare for their trip to Le Havre.
> The meeting
The first basket of the match was signed by Gottin at 3 points. Orchies took advantage of the skill of the former Toulouse player Benhamed and the combativeness of Jones, who stole an offensive rebound in the hands of Nikolic, to take the advantage (3-7, 3rd). The STB, skillful (8 out of 13 in 10 minutes including 4 out of 6 at 3 points), managed to reverse the trend and led at the end of the first quarter (22-19). Despite seven lost balls, without which he could have opened a significant gap, he took advantage of the recall to the bench of Rucklin and Jones for their second foul.
The gap will widen one in the 2nd period thanks to his 3-point skill (9 out of 13 during the first 18 minutes including 2 out of 2 for Gassama and 4 out of 4 for Mekdad). His lead exceeds 10 lengths (40-28, 16th). But he only keeps two at the break (43-41). The fault, again, of too many turnovers (14 against 4 at half-time) which gave fifteen points to Orchies and Benhamed, main player in this comeback (7 points in 70 seconds). Fifteen points which ultimately cost STB the victory.
At the start of the second half the STB initially remained in command (49-43, 23rd, 53-50, 25th) before conceding an 11-0 which heralded a difficult end to the match (53-61, 27th) . A good end to the third period where they made defensive stops and good ball circulation allowed the Toros to maintain the suspense (63-65, 30th). A buzzer beater from Rigaux at the end of the period revived Orchies (63-68). The STB remains in contact for two minutes (68-71, 32nd) before finally letting go (68-78, 34th, 73-83, 37th). Mekdad’s sixth 3-pointer adds spice (78-83, 38th). Orchies managed their last balls to perfection (82-89, 40th) and won 87-90. Okemba’s “buzzer beater” arouses regrets.
