The SIG Strasbourg lost on the floor of the Chorale de Roanne on a shot at the bell by Loren Jackson (90-87). A defeat at the buzzer, but above all a defeat which took its source during a 1time catastrophic half-time which cost a lot of SIGmen who showed a completely different face during the 2th period. A SIG Strasbourg in Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde mode which can only blame itself… A reaction will be expected with consistency, seriousness and firmness from Tuesday at the Rhenus against Le Mans!
Without too much surprise, the Chorale started the match strong. Indeed, after Yannis Morin’s opener, the locals continued with a 7-0. Kam Taylor struggled, but opposite Ronald March was boiling hot and his 3/3 at 3pts brought Lassi Tuovi’s first time-out: 13-7, 4′. The furia of coach Choulet’s players was growing and the return to play did not change anything. Indeed, the run continued to reach 10-2 to the chagrin of SIG Strasbourg who were on the ropes: 17-9, 6 ‘. Time was passing and very clearly there was cause for concern. Nothing worked on our side while everything was successful in Roanne. With an address at 63% after 7’30 for Loren Jackson & Co and a final score (24-13), our coach already took a 2th timeout. The Roannaise defense was well in place and as, as a bonus, the locals planted a 5/7 behind the arc, it was difficult to compete. Thus the score after the first 10 minutes was clear: +13 Roanne! Fin du 1is quarter: 31-18 (evaluation: 41-14).
The team was in big trouble. The interior sector was locked for Choralians who bravely played their luck. In addition, the collective of Jean Denys Choulet’s team was a hit offensively, so that, let’s not lie, our team already had their heads in the seal. The clock ticked down tirelessly and you had to rub your eyes when looking at the scoreboard at the 15th minute. Who could have imagined our team 20pts behind at this time (44-24)?! But what the hell is going on?! Roanne was in dragster mode and one thing was clear: we were totally on the street! Fortunately, while the locals were at +23 (49-26, 17′), Gaylor and Kam saved a tiny part of the furniture by signing a 1-9 (50-35, 18’30), but the sinking did not was not far from being total as we had just given confidence to the Jackson/March/Berhanemeskel trio (37pts) who did not ask for so much. Halftime: 54-39 (evaluation: 71-36).
Coach Tuovi’s blower at the break was violent! A wake-up call was expected as the first 20 minutes had just shown anything but a pretty face of SIG Strasbourg. Action reaction ! The return to play saw our players defend high, play harder and above all the collective was finally in place. The consequence was pleasing because JB Maille and his family put the Choir under the extinguisher, which was going to have to wait 5’15 to register its first basket. Incredible and especially that at the same time our players were not shy to plant an 0-13 which completely beat the cards (54-52). Even better, not to say incredible, a few seconds later Dre allowed the team to pass: 56-57, 25’45. Our captain was sublime ladies and gentlemen! He alone scored 16pts in 5’20: Lansdowne the pace (63-67, 28’30)! The roller coaster mode had never been so accentuated as during this match, but no matter, the awakening of the SIGmen was total and they offered us a dream quarter after a 1time indigestible half-time. Fin du 3th quarter: 67-71 (evaluation: 78-79).
Above all, do not slow down because we knew very well what we were capable of. Kam Taylor gave us a very high level match and thanks to him our lead rose to 7pts (70-77, 32′), but once the storm passed the Chorale showed their audience that they were not going to give up. Indeed, the Roannaise team found its defense and as always, when the defense goes, the attack follows. While one would have thought that the SIGmen had just offered themselves a controlled end to the match, Loren Jackson sounded the revolt! The consequence was without appeal with 13-2 of the worst effect: 84-81, 35’15. Coach Tuovi had to take a time-out feeling the wind turning again! The money time was pointing the tip of his nose and the atmosphere was becoming unbreathable. Following this break, JB followed by Dre allowed us to regain control (86-87, 38’40), but a very serious technical foul whistled against JB allowed Berhanemeskel to equalize 1′ from the end. Kam Taylor had the keys to be the hero of the evening, but his shot fell short 20 seconds from the buzzer, leaving Loren Jackson in stride. By planting a buzzer beater at 7m, the rookie of the Chorale blew up the Halle Vacheresse which saw his club mathematically ensure its maintenance on this arrow. SCORE FINAL : 90-87 (éval : 112-98).
A frustrating defeat that is not played on this buzzer beater, but rather during the first 20 minutes. How not to point the finger at this absolutely catastrophic first half which literally sealed the chances of the SIGmen? The reaction to the return from the locker room was great thanks in particular to Dre Lansdwone (20pts-3rbs-3ints-24 of evaluation) and Kameron Taylor (28pts-4rbs-5pds-28 of evaluation) tried to catch up with this delay at the Ignition, but all that finally turned out to be totally useless… See you next Tuesday against Le Mans at the Rhenus to straighten your head and try to lock in a qualification for the Playoffs in front of our home crowd. SIGArmy, more than ever, we need you!
