NM1. Toulouse – Cep Lorient: 77-83
Lorient’s Sy and Suhard are the first to score (0-4, 2′). Dadiet (who will quickly regain the bench on his second foul) and Mekdad respond to them (7-6, 3′). Lorient dominates in the offensive rebound. Toulouse is more skilful (2 out of 3 to 3 points for Mekdad in 7 minutes) but shoots less, disturbed by the best defense in the championship. Referees are finicky. Toulouse’s aggressive defense suffers. Lorient puts on the free throws. At the end of the first period, the two teams are tied (22-22). Ten minutes later they are still tied (41-41).
A highlight from Gottin (28-22, 11′) was quickly canceled by Suhard, Adala and Sy (28-29, 14′). The end of the half highlights the coaches who place their pawns during time outs without any team being able to take over.
The game also remained unspectacular after the break as the defenses continued to take precedence over the attacks. Dadiet celebrates his return (50-47, 24′) but Lorient, led by an excellent Suhard (born in Toulouse for the anecdote), adapts quickly. Mondésir and Doumbia lead him (54-60, 27′). He stayed there (57-54, 29′) until the end of the third quarter (62-66).
Lorient residents Sy and Djambo shine
Dadiet and Kouyaté forced Philippe Maucourant to take a time-out as Mondesir had just committed his fourth foul (66-68, 33′). The suspense becomes unbearable. Toulouse causes faults but misses its free throws (2 out of 8 in the fourth period). Sy (70-76, 39′) and Djambo (72-79, 30′), meanwhile, put together the three points needed to seal a fine victory (77-83).
Datasheet
Quarter: 22-22, 19-19, 21-25, 15-17.
Referees: MM Thibaud Burnel and Teddy Talineau.
Spectators: 1 650 environ.
TOULOUSE : Mekdad (15), Dadiet (14), Diop (10), André (8), Mopsus (6) then Gottin (11), Yao-Delon (5), Le Roux (4), Kouyaté (4) and Anfinif. 21 fouls. One player eliminated, Mekdad (40′). Coach: Stephane Dao.
LORIEN: Mondésir (23), Suhard (19), Sy (17), Djambo (12), Doumbia (3) then Adala (5), Saounera (2), Hanck (2) and Losser. Trainer: Philippe Maucourant.
