Beaten four times, in four matches, during the month of February, BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque returned to competition and victory when they received Nanterre (87-83) for the 21st day of Betclic ELITE.
Since its great outing against Limoges on January 29 (72-53), the Basket Club Maritime had not won. Deprived of Marcquise Reed – injured, he will be replaced in the northern workforce – the BCM had left to bow again. Indeed, the locals were left behind (49-57) when their coach, John David Jackson, was sent off in the 26th minute. What push the public of Sportica, already heated by the carnival, to take a dominating part on the end of meeting.
Ray McCallum already decisive
Newcomer, the leader Ray McCallum (13 points at 3/7 on shots, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 fouls for 14 evaluation in 29 minutes) fed on it to give victory to his family. First by making two free throws to pass (85-83) then by taking a last ball and dunking in stride (87-83) to regain the point-average after the narrow defeat of the first leg. Important data in the race for the playoffs since Nanterre (11 wins, 10 losses) is just ahead of the BCM (10 wins, 11 losses).
Ray McCallum was not the only BCM to respond. John Jenkins scored 20 points as power forwards Kenny Kadji (15 points at 6/13 and 11 rebounds for 21 evaluation in 27 minutes) and Tyler Stone (19 points at 8/14 and 5 rebounds for 21 evaluation in 21 minutes) had an essential impact. Opposite, the former Maritime Chris Horton was held to 8 points at 3/9 on shots. Gravelines will now want to continue with the reception of Le Mans on Sunday March 13.
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