Basketball – Nationale 2: Agen gives in at the last second against Marmande in a derby of madness

A derby as we like them. The lovers of the orange ball took their foot, Saturday evening, in a Pascal-Laperche hill full to bursting. There was nothing missing in this match at the top between Marmandais and Agenais. Pressure, tension, emotions and chills. In short, an explosive Saturday where basketball emerged as the big winner. And the BBM also in a breathtaking money-time where the notion of 6th man took on all its symbolism. Carried by fans in fusion, the BBM managed the last minute better to make the difference (75-73). But, it took little for the Agenais to sign an exceptional result.
The start of this derby already showed the beginnings of a match that was going to be undecided. After the opener by Dembélé, Ona Embo thwarts the local defense to settle the target (2-3, 1st). Agen (winner of the first leg) resists the “blue and white” desires. The pressure of the visitors disrupts the game of the protected Palfroy. A 6-0 from Agenais initiated by Soliman in relay with Frip allows the ABC to take control (6-9, 4th). The game is balanced on both sides. Soliman does it again behind the red line (11-14, 5th). Stojlkovic replies behind to put the two formations back to back. If in the last minute, the BBM capitalizes with a 5-0 (15-17, 9th, 20-17, 10th). Boucaud sends a missile which allows his people to equalize at the buzzer (20-20, 10th).

Agen stronger before the break

In the second act, the locals fail to fault the visiting defense. If a double-triple combination from Albert gives air to his people, the locals are nevertheless feverish under the nets (29-24, 24th). Chailly is effective on percussion to put Agen back on the right track. The good defensive organization of Fred Rocco’s boys hinders local development. More daring before the “lemons”, the Agenais took advantage of it under the success of Ona Embo and Abbasi to inflict a 5-0 on the BBM and settle in the lead (33-33, 17th; 39-37, 19th; 39 -42, 20th).

Back on the floor, the formations have not settled their feverishness. The ABC continues to lead the race. Without breaking away with Fripp and Champié (43-46, 23rd). Dembélé, impeccable, allows his people to stay in contact after a shock from Agenaise. Tisba provokes the opposing defense to recover a precious ball allowing Albert to shine again and conclude a 9-0 in favor of the locals (56-53, 27th). Abbassi, in real will-o’-the-wisp, manages to bring calm to the Agenais collective. Worse still, he panics the opposing defense. A double embellished with a triple put the visitors in control (58-60, 29th). But, the last word is for Bruzac. On the buzzer, his shot behind the red line hit the mark (63-63, 30th). It didn’t take much to rekindle an audience that was already very hot and which would be decisive a few minutes later.
In this last act, the suspense remains at its peak. Neither of the two formations manages to make a differential. Chailly, however, throws all his might to trip up his former partners. All in power, he makes his way to the basket (65-69, 34th). But Dembélé reacted immediately to bring the BBM back on the heels of the ABC (69-69, 36th). The defenses are crumbly but the shooters do not take advantage of it. From one side to the other.

A crazy ending

A counter – at the best of times – of the local defense puts the Agenais under pressure. Bruzac took advantage (73-71, 39th).
In a boiling cauldron, Fred Rocco’s proteges waste a first ammunition. However, the Marmandais have the arm which trembles vis-a-vis the nets. But, an offensive foul from Soliman allows the locals to believe in their star. The sixth man pushes behind the BBM like never before, allowing the “blue and white” to transcend themselves on the floor. Tisba did not ask for as much (75-73). In a desperate recovery, the ABC tries a gamble. On the mermaid, the last visitor shot flirts with the net. Tense, the Marmandais supporters can let their immense joy burst and the Agenais nourish certain regrets. Heroic, they came very close to a new feat. Very close, they had it in hand…