The national police took over the national gendarmerie during a breathtaking shock at the Palais des Sports. A 93-78 victory that recalls the historical rivalry between the two Malagasy basketball giants.
| A final before the letter between the two clubs of Analamanga the GNBC and the Cospn (red). |
The third day of the National Summit of Basketball 5×5, phase 2 of Elite 8, offered the public of Mahamasina a show worthy of a final. The COSPN inflicted a defeat on the GNBC, reigning champion, in a match where each possession counted. Two clubs who know each other by heart and main providers of the Ankoay national team in 5×5 as in 3×3.
The decor was planted as soon as you kick off, given at 4:23 p.m. in front of a large audience. GNBC started strong, finishing the first quarter in mind (25-19) thanks to a spectacular Dunk from Rickley served by Elly. But Cospn did not drop. Under the impetus of Marco and Livio, precise behind the arc, the police returned to the game. The defense then closed the access to the basket, and the break, the score was tight: 41-40 for GNBC.
The third quarter confirmed the intensity of the duel. The two teams answered themselves blow for blow, without ever digging the gap. 66-65 to the advantage of GNBC announced an explosive end of the match.
In the last quarter, Cospn has changed pace. Tojo Rasamoelina, the police coach of the police imposed an iron defense, neutralizing the attacks of the gendarmes. Despite the 23 points of Elly Randriamampionona, the GNBC flanked at the worst time.
Warning for GNBC
Worn by Arnol Solondrainy with three successful three-point shots, Marco Rakotovao and Livio Ratianarivo, Metronomes in three points shooting, Cospn inflicted an 18-0 which definitively folded the meeting. The gap has climbed +12 to two minutes from the end (86-74), to end on a wide success 93-78.
This result does not yet upset the hierarchy of the championship, but it changes the dynamics. Cospn, third in the last championship, offers a real bowl of air and proves that it will be necessary to count on him for the future. For GNBC, this reverse is not unacceptable, but it sounds like a warning: the road to a new coronation will be strewn with pitfalls.
Small historical reminder: in 2024, the GNBC had already lost against Cospn in the group phase, before taking its revenge in the semi-finals. A decisive victory that had paved the way to the national title. The supporters wonder today if the story could repeat themselves: Cospn took over at the start of this competition, but the GNBC may well get up at the crucial moment. The duel of forces is relaunched, and the championship has not yet delivered its verdict.
Donné Raherinjatovo
