Fifth defeat in six matches for the Montalbanais, against a superior Rodez team, this Saturday evening (64-75).
Last week’s success in the Coupe d’Occitanie left some hope for a Montalbanese team that had moved forward. But the championship is not the Cup, and Rodez is certainly not Valence Condom. Between the Tarn-et-Garonnais who are already struggling to avoid the bottom of the ranking, and the Aveyronnais who are in the leading trio, there was unfortunately not much suspense this Saturday evening, in a multi-sport hall of the Fobio almost full. Unfortunately, the MBC supporters had little opportunity to get excited, except perhaps during the second quarter, when their favorites almost stuck to the Ruthenois. But the power and serenity of the visitors will then make the difference. If last week, Boris Lacaze’s men had talked the talk, it was quite the opposite this Saturday evening, with a first quarter concluded already ten points behind, and only eleven small points scored (11-21). But when your skill eludes you, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to compete against a Rodez team who rule the roost under the basket, and who don’t attempt any outside shots. The second quarter saw Kévin Caubel’s teammates put their noses back to the window a little. Trailing by eleven lengths (15-26), they are gradually coming back on the heels of the Ruthenois under the leadership of the leader Ayoub Zaïda, and Ola Gaji. At the break, hope remains (31-39).
No comeback
The second act saw the visitors perform some beautiful basketball, to take an eighteen-point lead (36-54, 25th). The fate of the match seems sealed, but in front of their supporters, the Montalbanais do not want to sink, and manage to maintain this gap at the start of the last quarter. But with such a gap, it is difficult to believe in a truly exceptional comeback. Beyond being caught, the Ruthenois will even increase the pressure to take a twenty point lead (66-46, 32nd). The last eight minutes of the match will be to the advantage of the Montalbanais, facing a less aggressive defense from Rodez. Jérémy Hobbe will line up the three-point baskets well (11 points for him in this last quarter), but this will remain insufficient to close the gap. In the end, the Tarn-et-Garonnais suffered another setback, another defeat at home, and did not get off the end of the ranking. There is no doubt that the Montalbanais will have to quickly regain confidence, otherwise they will experience a complicated, very complicated season.
And now. Next Saturday, the MBC will travel to Élan Tursan, which lost this Saturday evening in Villeneuve-sur-Lot (98-78), and which has a balanced record (three victories, three defeats).
MONTAUBAN 64 RODEZ 75
MT: 31-39; referees: 2000 Kévin Assemat and Ismaël Belin.
1er QUART-TEMPS : 11-21, 2e QT: 20-18 ; 3e QT : 14-21, 4e QT : 19-15.
For the MBC: Tom Lucianaz (2 points), Jérémy Hobbe (17 pts, 2 faults), Ayou Zaïda (14 pts, 2 faults), Kévin Caubel (cap), Geoffrey Caubel (2 pts, 3 faults), Romain Dabadie (2 pts, 2 fouls), Boban Gomis (3 pts, 4 fouls), Thibaut Crapez (6 pts, 2 fouls), Ola Gaji (8 pts, 3 fouls), Alexandre L’Etang (10 pts, 3 fouls). Coaches: Boris Lacaze, assisted by Cédric Fau.
For Rodez: Mansour Diouf (16 points, 3 faults), Luca Bonnal (6 pts), Yannis Fotso (8 pts, 1 fault), Nourdine Sakli (6 pts, 2 faults), Valentin Gélin (cap, 12 pts, 3 faults), Mathis Rambaud (5 pts, 2 faults), Mohamed Diop (2 pts, 1 fault), Jérémie NGandu (10 pts, 2 faults), Pierre Fragere (10 pts, 4 faults). Coach : Matija Sagadin.
