Fianarantsoa, Madagascar – The EMIT Fianarantsoa men’s basketball team secured their second consecutive victory in the ongoing Smatchin Garçons tournament on Monday, defeating ISTS 50-37 in a controlled performance. The inter-university and institute basketball tournament is currently taking place at the Mahamasina Gymnasium and surrounding courts in the capital city.
The EMIT team, considered among the favorites in the 2026 Smatchin competition, demonstrated a solid and disciplined approach throughout the match. The tournament provides a crucial platform for emerging basketball talent from across Madagascar, showcasing the growing popularity of the sport within the nation’s higher education system.
From the opening tip-off at 10:12 local time, EMIT quickly established their presence, jumping to an early 4-0 lead. ISTS responded to tie the score at 4-4, but EMIT swiftly regained control, extending their advantage to 8-4. A mid-first-quarter surge pushed the lead to 10-4, forcing ISTS to call a timeout. The timeout proved ineffective as EMIT closed the first quarter strongly, leading 14-7.
The second quarter saw EMIT further solidify their dominance, extending the gap to 17-7 and then 19-10. A seemingly comfortable lead began to develop, but ISTS showed resilience, narrowing the deficit to 19-15 with a brief run. Despite this push, EMIT maintained composure and entered halftime with a 26-20 advantage.
Returning from the break, EMIT continued their upward trajectory. The presence of Hasina Rasolonandrianina, a player who competes in the N1B league and is a member of the national Ankoay team, proved pivotal. Rasolonandrianina’s size advantage allowed EMIT to control the rebounds, contributing 6 points and 9 rebounds to the team’s effort. The team extended their lead to 32-20, appearing firmly in control.
However, ISTS refused to concede defeat, mounting a 6-0 run to reduce the deficit to 34-28, briefly injecting some suspense into the contest. EMIT responded effectively, regaining control by the end of the third quarter, leading 37-30.
In the final quarter, EMIT displayed a resolute defense and efficient offense, extending their lead to 42-30 and then 46-32. Despite ISTS’s late attempts to close the gap, EMIT maintained a firm grip on the game, ultimately securing a 50-37 victory.
Following the match, ISTS coach Jacky Randrianiaina emphasized his team’s objectives. “This represents our first participation this year. We are in a very competitive pool. Despite two defeats in three matches, we remain in contention. The objective is first to gain visibility for our institute and to acquire experience,” he said.
EMIT coach Lova Rabariveloarijaona remained measured in his assessment, stating, “The roster has changed compared to last year. Our priority is to reach the round of sixteen to avoid the qualifying rounds next year, before aiming as far as possible.”
With this latest win, EMIT Fianarantsoa firmly establishes itself as a serious contender for the championship title in the 2026 edition of the Smatchin Garçons tournament. The team’s consistent performance and disciplined approach suggest they will be a force to be reckoned with as the tournament progresses.
The tournament continues at the Mahamasina Gymnasium and surrounding venues, offering a showcase of Madagascar’s rising basketball stars. Fans can follow the action and support their respective institutions as the competition intensifies.
Next Up: EMIT Fianarantsoa will face [next opponent – information not available in sources] on [date – information not available in sources] at [time – information not available in sources] at the Mahamasina Gymnasium. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates and coverage of the Smatchin Garçons tournament.
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