Deprived of their titular leader Kaza Kajami-Keane, still injured in the knee, Le Mans lost, this evening in Sofia, 69-82, against Parma Basket Perm, and is thus deprived of BasketBall Champions League this season.
MSB had to win two games to qualify for the BCL regular season, but they fell from the first hurdle.
The Manceaux were kept alive in the first half through their interior TaSwhan Thomas (7/11 on shots, 6 rebounds), but suffered the clumsiness of Sam Bamforth. A blow of collar allowed them to come back at the end of the first half (36-38, 20th).
Scott Bamforth woke up in the second half (22 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds in total), while Terry Tarpey once again achieved a very complete game (18 evaluation), but the Russians took back ten points in advance, and they controlled the situation to the end with fewer stray balls (8 against 14 at Le Mans) and 11 three-point baskets, more than double the Sarthois.
MSB substitute point guard Deishuan Booker came off the field with -1 evaluation while in Perm, Lithuanian winger Eigirdas Zukauskas beamed with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.
The box score is HERE
