As a call to go for it honestly, Lacan opens the scoring with a calm mid-range shot. A little less than twenty minutes later, the international point guard has an impeccable stats sheet: 17 points including an unstoppable 3/3 three-pointer.
Murjanatu Musa, a little less lively in his last outings, found his best level at the best time, double-double to boot (15 points, 15 rebounds).
Philippe Salvat / SO
Lacan’s three points
The first allows the Landaises, on all fronts in defense and enterprising in attack, to lead sparingly but frankly 21-18 (8th). The second ends a euphoric first quarter (28-18). The third brings the blue and white club’s lead to +14 (43-29, 18th), the largest gap in an equally exciting second quarter, during which the Landaises conceded a 2-9 which they were able to contain and then mitigate.
And between these missiles, not to mention the rocket mode infiltrations of number 42, his partners get into tune, like Musa dominating the rebound (6 at the break) and who has perfectly adjusted the sights at mid-distance. Basket Landes simply does not give Fenerbahçe a second of respite, certainly not used to being so shaken and visibly helpless at times, often annoyed. At the break (43-34), all the wildest hopes are allowed.
Yohana Ewodo against Gabby Williams. The Landaises stood up to the best European team of the moment with conviction.
Philippe Salvat / SO
It remains to be seen when Fenerbahçe will finally wake up, and if the Landeses will be able to keep up the pace, not to mention an address rarely known this season (47% in the first half, compared to 45 for the Turks). From the restart, Musa counters, Lacan recovers and Massey converts (45-34). Then the first two continue their crazy harvests: 52-37 (24th), including a new three “string” points from Lacan. But faced with an armada like that of the Fener, everything can go quickly if the details are not taken care of. Between the missed attacks and an ideally placed and cunning Milic (6 points in a handful of seconds), the Turks are back to 6 small points (52-46, 28th).
Treat
So Basket Landes brings out its lethal weapon this Wednesday evening: the three points (10/18 in the exercise). This time it is Ewodo and Bussière who arm the bazooka. At the start of the last quarter, Basket Landes is still in front, and has a 12-point lead. Who would have believed it? Well the feast is not over, because Lacan, diabolical in his skill, is not satisfied: a new prize-winning shot opens the last act (63-48). And the Landaises grab all the rebounds to multiply possessions. Macquet abounds, Musa in double-double gorges himself, and here is Basket Landes at +16 with 6 minutes to go (68-52).
The joy of the Landes leaders, Pierre Dartiguelongue and Audrey Lacroix: Basket Landes has achieved its feat.
Philippe Salvat / SO
Then at +14 three minutes from the buzzer, on a new missile from Lacan. Who laughs when she misses one of her two throws. There you have it, Basket Landes has done it. The last minutes border on the unreal. And there’s absolutely nothing to add, other than all the superlatives you want. With this sixth victory in the Euroleague, the Landeses have pushed the door a little further towards an unprecedented Final Six. To do this, they will have to do it again in a week against Miskolc who, they will forgive us, is not an ogre. Basket Landes has already seen it.
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