It was a superb victory that the Landernéennes won on Sunday against Montpellier. They dominated from start to finish a visiting team which was unable to respond to the physical challenge imposed by local players who had their benchmark match there. The Cimenterie audience was not mistaken and the room was on its feet for the last minute of the meeting. The locals had also taken the advantage from the start through Trasi and Baker to quickly lead 15-4 (5′), forcing opposing coach Demory to take a time out.
The entry of the experienced Anna Suarez (18 points) gave the visitors confidence, especially as Stervinou was not successful from distance and, in the 10th minute, Landerneau led 21-14. In the second quarter, Trasi and Woolfolk continued to score from distance and, as Montpellier did not find coherent offensive solutions due to the excellent Landernean defense, the gap swelled to reach 19 points at the break (44-25 ). It must be said that Montpellier was far from its offensive standards (8/23 on shots).
A visitor burst too late
The visitors were going to create an illusion at the start of the second half but Evelyn Akhator ruled the roost in the “painting”, and the gap continued to increase to reach 25 points in the 25th (56-31), with Priscilla Lezin in complete success at three points. The Montpellier bench then lost its composure and was penalized with a technical foul by the main referee. From the 30th, mass was said (63-43).
All that remained for the Landernéennes was to manage the last quarter. Angel Baker, back at her best, continued to fuel the score despite a last stand from the Suarez-Naigre duo, which brought Montpellier to 12 points (69-57, 36′). In the final moments, the LBB could count on Akhator to reign under the circles and thus sign a deserved success, at the end of a high quality performance.
The technical sheet
Quart-temps : 21-14, 23-11, 19-18, 14-20.
Referees: MM. Monsire and Journoud, Mrs. Voyeau.
Spectators: 2 300.
LBB: Akhator 17, Lezin 15, Trasi 11, Woolfolk 10, Baker 10, Stervinou 6, Dibanzilua 6 Kane 2, Evrard 2. 19/41 on shots including 8/22 at 3 points, 15/21 on Lancers 41 rebounds.
Montpellier : Suarez 18, Millapie 13, Naigre 9, Bailey 5, Rabot 5, Bernies 5, Angloma 4, Limouzin 4, Mendjiadeu 0. 14/33 on shots including 6/23 at 3 points 17/24 on free throws 37 rebounds.
