Besançon, France – The BesAC basketball team secured a hard-fought 95-94 victory over Charleville-Mézières in a crucial Nationale 1 match-up on Friday, February 13th, at the Palais des Sports in Besançon. The win, secured by a last-second counter from Claudien Eliezer-Vanerot, was particularly significant given BesAC’s struggles in the first half, where they conceded 60 points.
The game was a high-scoring affair from the outset, with both teams demonstrating offensive prowess. However, BesAC found themselves trailing significantly at halftime, prompting a stern halftime talk from coach Laurent Kleefstra. According to reports, Kleefstra challenged his team to find more pride in their performance, a message that clearly resonated in the second half. This victory is particularly important as both teams are set to compete in the lower pool of Phase 2 of the Nationale 1 season, where results from Phase 1 carry over.
Hugo Cluysen played a pivotal role in the comeback, scoring 19 of his 22 total points in the second half. He was supported by strong performances from Venckus and Eliezer-Vanerot, whose decisive play at the buzzer sealed the win. The team’s resilience was on full display as they overcame a substantial deficit to emerge victorious. The BesAC’s starting lineup included Pouye, Bronner, Eliezer-Vanerot, Venckus, Hook, Cagnet, Cluysen, Correa, Jubenot (captain), and Nkombou, as confirmed by BesAC Basket.
Second-Half Surge Propels BesAC to Victory
The turning point of the match came after the break, as BesAC dramatically tightened their defense and increased their offensive intensity. The team’s ability to limit Charleville’s scoring whereas simultaneously boosting their own proved to be the key to their success. Eliezer-Vanerot’s game-winning play, a counter stemming from a contested three-point attempt by Charleville’s Mwamba, highlighted the team’s determination and quick thinking. The final score of 95-94 reflects the closely contested nature of the game and the narrow margin of victory.
This win is not only valuable in terms of league standings but also carries the added benefit of potentially securing a tie-breaker advantage over Charleville. As noted by BesAC Basket, a victory by more than one point would give BesAC the edge in the event of a tie at the end of Phase 2.
Looking Ahead: Importance of Head-to-Head Record
The Nationale 1 league structure places significant emphasis on head-to-head results, particularly when teams are closely matched. This victory over Charleville not only provides BesAC with valuable points but also strengthens their position in the standings and improves their chances of a favorable outcome in Phase 2. The team will need to maintain this momentum as they navigate the remaining games of Phase 1 and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
The officials for the game were Abdel Karroumi and Salim Esfih as referees, with Benjamin Soussia as the marker, Valentine Dole as the chronometreur, Adeline Pelz-Ferry as the chronometreur des tirs, Jérémy Oudot as the statistician (Aboyeur), and Samuel Dikongues as the statistician (Cliqueur), according to FFBB. The game was played at the Palais des Sports, located at Avenue Léo Lagrange, 25000 Besançon.
BesAC will look to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign in Nationale 1. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and secure crucial victories will be essential as they strive to achieve their goals for the season. The next steps for BesAC will be focused on maintaining their strong form and preparing for upcoming challenges in the league.
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