Until the last minute, BB Marmande believed in it during this quarter-final of the French National 2 championship. But Berck’s superiority was difficult to counter for the “Bleu et Blanc” blunted by a long and fantastic season (78-88). Next Friday, they will travel without pressure to the Côte d’Opale.
The step was too high, this Saturday evening, at the Pascal-Laperche hill, for the BB Marmande. Although pushed by more than 1,000 excited supporters, the “blue and white” failed against Berck, “the” cador of this national 2. Arnaud Bruzac and his partners gave their all. They tried everything. They never gave up and maintained the dream with a “blue and white” people. But, with the trade, the Berckois extinguished the hope of a resounding exploit. However, he was not far…
For that, it would have been necessary that the boys of Alexandre Palfroy realize for sure a better start. As inhibited by the challenge, the Marmandais are somewhat tense and let the visitors impose their rhythm.
Effective especially behind the red line, the Northerners initiate a 10-00 (2-12, 3e) forcing Alexandre Palfroy to take a time-out. Feverish in their attempts, the locals struggled to circumvent the opposing defensive wall. Dembélé tries a few incursions. Sometimes with success allowing the BBM to move forward (8-17, 6e). But the restlessness in front of the penalty line penalizes the locals (in the end, it also weighs heavily in the balance) although Stojilkovic, with a long range (well a meter behind the red line) gives hope to his people, especially since he recidivism at the start of the second act (20-26, 10e).
However, the BBM does not manage to run at full speed against this Berckois collective, very solid and well-oiled organization. Traoré initiates a scathing 9-0 relayed by Séguela and Henocq. More incisive in the distribution of the ball, the visitors capitalized wisely (24-37, 14e). However, they fail to take shelter for good.
Under the impetus of Bruzac
This is the moment chosen by the Lot-et-Garonnais to ignite the lair. A flash of genius signed Bruzac then combining with Couzigou. Behind, a ball lost by Berck allows Steiner to investigate at the head of the racket. The BBM revives all the more as Bruzac sets the sights at three points (36-40, 17e). But, it is without counting on the profession of the boys of Laurent Kleefstra. Moisy stops the bleeding and restarts the machine (36-46, 18e). Menville, at the bottom of the line, adjusts a three point imitated by Steiner. A new grain of madness allows the BBM to point to -4 to the “lemons”.
As if re-energized by the break, the locals attack with a beating drumbeat. Steiner adjusts a prize-winning shot followed by a mid-range basket from Stohilkovic. For the first time, the BBM took command (52-50, 23rd).
But Berck’s job makes the difference. Ekani and Chapuis bring calm. Ajenifuja (far from his usual performance) brings his stone to the building. An 0-6 in favor of Berck brings the BBM back to the harsh reality of the mission to be carried out (54-61, 26th). Bruzac – the local will-o’-the-wisp – does not keep it under his feet to allow his people to stay in contact (62-68, 30th).
Two-point at 95 seconds
In the last act, Berck seems to be heading for an easy success under the leadership of captain Seguéla (63-71, 33rd). But, the BBM does not abdicate in the line of Bruzac (66-71, 34th). Dembélé, under the net, then stands out. A double combination allows the locals to point to – 4 (74-78, 38th). On the next raise, Steiner makes miseries to the opposing defense. In front of the penalty line, he does not tremble and here is the BBM emerging on the heels of Berck 95 seconds from the buzzer (76-78).
The supporters are standing pushing as one man in an atmosphere of madness. But, the trade of the Northerners will weigh terribly in this money-time. Without giving in to panic, Mendy trapped the Marmandaise defense followed by Henoacq. The latest “blue and white” whims won’t change anything. And the BBM to give in logically (78-88) and above all without blushing at this crazy performance. And head held high.
Next Friday, Arnaud Bruzac and his partners will travel to the Côte d’Opale for the second leg without any pressure for what should be the last meeting of this crazy season. Unless the BBM plays overtime and wins the beautiful. Impossible is not BBM.
The supporters believed in it until the last minute
BB Marmande 78 – Berck Rang du Fliers 88
A Beaupuy (Collinéum Pascal-Laperche)
MT : 44-48.
Periods : 20-26, 24-22 ; 18-20, 16-20.
Referees : Pierre Gendre and Florian Demkiw; Public : about 1200 spectators.
For BB Marmande : 69 shots attempted, 30 successful including 10/28 from 3 points; 24 free throws attempted, 8 free throws made. 16 rebounds. 15 balloons lost.
22 personal fouls, one player eliminated: Stojiljkovic (40).
The team : Bruzac (18), Albert (3), Steiner (10), Stojiljkovic (13), Menville (3), Bailey, Couzigou (5), Ditu Mona Samu (10), Dembele (13), Tisba (4) . Coach : Alexandre Palfroy assisté de Charly Rey .
For AB Berck Rang-du-Fliers: 65 shots attempted, 32 successful including 7/26 from 3 points; 25 free throws attempted, 17 free throws completed. 19 rebounds. 8 balloons lost.
21 personal fouls; 1 unsportsmanlike: Ekani (3e), 1 technical fault: Chapuy (10e); no player eliminated.
The team : Traore (6), Chapuy (8), Ekani (7), Seguela (17), Ajenifuja (11), Nicolas, Moses (14), Keliki, Enoch (13), Mendy (12). Coach : Laurent Kleefstra assisted by Arnaud Fasquel .
