A Season of Contrasts: BLMA Struggles Domestically Despite European Success
The BLMA is facing a challenging period in the Women’s League, currently occupying the 10th and final spot with 18 points. This starkly contrasts with their impressive performance in the Euroleague, where they secured a coveted quarter-final berth against Fenerbahçe thanks to a commendable fourth-place finish in Group A.
This season has been a rollercoaster for the Gazelles, marked by a string of setbacks and a frustrating inability to translate their European success onto the domestic stage.A six-game losing streak, starting with an 80-45 defeat against TTT Riga on January 19th, has left the team searching for answers. Subsequent losses to bourges, Moscow, Basket Landes, Venice, and Salamanca have further compounded their woes.
The team’s recent struggles can be partially attributed to a depleted roster, plagued by COVID-19 cases, injuries, and long-term absences. the double absence of Epoupa and Berniès following their international commitments (in both 5×5 and 3×3 formats) further exacerbated the situation, impacting team morale.
Despite these challenges, BLMA showed glimpses of their potential in their recent encounter against Angers. Leading for a significant portion of the game,they built a 17-point advantage (40-23 in the 23rd minute) and welcomed back key players Epoupa,Berniès,and Dabovic. However, fatigue set in during the second half, resulting in a disappointing 59-60 loss.
“We didn’t last the distance,” lamented coach Valéry Demory. “We were much slower and static in the second half.I didn’t no how long we were going to last, the girls didn’t give up, it’s a shame. And it’s not paid off compared to the efforts made this week. we’ll have to fight until the end of the season.”
Adding to the frustration, a controversial foul call with less than two seconds remaining on the clock allowed Angers to secure victory with two free throws.This heartbreaking loss leaves BLMA in a precarious position, tied with Landerneau and Charnay, but with a game in hand against Villeneuve d’Ascq.
The Gazelles now face a crucial stretch of games, needing to find consistency and rediscover their winning formula to climb the standings and avoid relegation. Their European success offers a glimmer of hope,demonstrating their capabilities when at full strength.the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining their fate in both competitions.
BLMA’s European Triumphs Overshadowed by Domestic Struggle: An Interview with Coach Valéry Demory
We’re here today with Coach Valéry Demory, the head coach of the BLMA Gazelles, a team experiencing a season of contrasts. On one hand, they’ve secured a coveted Euroleague quarter-final berth, putting them among Europe’s elite.On the other,they find themselves fighting to avoid relegation in the Women’s League. Coach Demory, thanks for joining us today.
VD: It’s a pleasure to be here. This season has certainly been a challenge, but we’re steadfast to turn things around.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the stark difference in performance between the domestic and European stages. What do you attribute this to?
VD: It’s a complex issue. Obviously,our depleted roster due to COVID-19,injuries,and international commitments has played a major role. Losing key players like Epoupa and Berniès for extended periods certainly impacted our rhythm and chemistry.
The recent six-game losing streak must have been disheartening. Do you see any common threads in those losses?
VD: Absolutely. Fatigue has been a significant factor, particularly in the second half of games. The Euroleague schedule is demanding, and it takes its toll. We also struggle with consistency. Sometimes we play incredibly well, as we did against Angers, but we haven’t been able to sustain that intensity for the entire game.
Speaking of the Angers game, that was a particularly heartbreaking loss. A controversial call at the end cost you the game. How much does that kind of incident affect the team morale?
VD: It’s naturally disappointing. I believe the foul call was questionable, but ultimately, we need to focus on what we can control, and that’s our performance. We let ourselves down in the second half, allowing Angers to come back.
The Euroleague quarter-final beckons, a real testament to the team’s Euroleague potential. how much of a priority is that competition compared to the fight for survival in the domestic league?
VD:
Both are incredibly critically important.
The Euroleague is a fantastic achievement for the club and the players. We want to do our best against Fenerbahçe and see how far we can go. Tho, we also have a responsibility to our fans and to the league to avoid relegation. We take both competitions very seriously.
What are your realistic expectations for the remainder of the season?
VD: Our immediate focus is on the upcoming games against Villeneuve d’Ascq and other crucial opponents.We need to find consistency, improve our second-half performances, and rediscover that winning mentality. Staying up in the Women’s league is paramount, and European success would be a fantastic bonus.
What message do you have for BLMA fans who are concerned about the team’s current situation?
VD: We appreciate their support immensely. This is a difficult period, but we’re working hard to turn things around. We have a talented squad, and we believe in our abilities. We need their continued support to push thru this challenge.
coach Demory, thank you for your candid insights.It’s clear that BLMA faces a tough uphill battle, but your determination and belief in the team are inspiring.We wish you the best of luck in the upcoming matches.
What are your thoughts on BLMA’s European success versus their domestic struggles? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below!
