Essca Reaches the Final Four at Smatchin Ao Tsara Basketball Tournament

Mahamasina, Madagascar – March 21, 2026 – The defending champions, ESSCA Antanimena, secured their place in the semifinals of the Smatchin Ao Tsara basketball tournament on Saturday, overcoming a late surge from IMGAM in a hard-fought 59-53 victory at the Palais des Sports de Mahamasina. The 12th edition of the university basketball showcase continues to deliver intense competition and a vibrant atmosphere for fans.

The match, played in a packed arena with stifling heat, saw ESSCA initially struggle against a determined IMGAM side. IMGAM surprised the defending champions by opening the scoring with a quick 4-0 run. However, ESSCA quickly responded, fueled by strong play from O’Neal, and began to establish control, finishing the first quarter with a 17-11 lead.

The second quarter proved to be more balanced, as IMGAM battled back into contention, briefly taking the lead by capitalizing on ESSCA fouls. Despite the pressure, ESSCA maintained its composure and entered halftime with a narrow advantage, 28-25.

ESSCA Dominates the Third Quarter

The turning point of the game came after the break. ESSCA emerged with renewed energy and intensity, dominating the third quarter with a significant shift in both offensive and defensive strategies. Ando, in particular, proved to be a catalyst for ESSCA’s surge, consistently hitting shots from behind the arc and showcasing his scoring prowess. With two three-pointers and a strong rebounding presence, Ando helped ESSCA extend its lead to 57-35.

Ando finished the game as the leading scorer with 16 points, earning him the MVP honors for his outstanding performance. His ability to create scoring opportunities and control the tempo of the game proved crucial for ESSCA’s success.

IMGAM Mounts a Late Comeback

Facing a substantial deficit, IMGAM refused to concede defeat. In a spirited effort during the final quarter, they mounted an impressive 15-2 run over seven minutes, fueled by increased aggression and capitalizing on ESSCA team fouls. The score tightened considerably, creating a tense atmosphere as IMGAM attempted to complete a remarkable comeback.

However, IMGAM’s comeback fell short, hampered by missed free throws – reportedly at least twenty – that could have significantly altered the game’s outcome. ESSCA managed to control the final seconds, securing the 59-53 victory.

“My players lacked maturity,” said IMGAM coach Ndranto Rakotonanahary after the game. “The management of the third quarter was difficult and catastrophic since we missed a lot of shots. The comeback was too late, and we ran out of time.”

ESSCA coach Jimmy Razafindrakoto acknowledged the physicality of the match and the challenge posed by IMGAM. “The match was very physical. We extended our lead in the third quarter. Their comeback put us in difficulty, but the lead was sufficient.”

ESSCA Advances, Faces Tough Semifinal Test

With this win, ESSCA, the tournament’s defending champion, continues its pursuit of another title. They will now advance to the semifinals, where they will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. The victory wasn’t without incident, however, as reports indicated that twelve young spectators required medical attention from ambulance services due to the intense heat within the Palais des Sports.

The Smatchin Ao Tsara tournament, which kicked off on Saturday with a fanfare at the Palais des Sports Mahamasina, promises weeks of intense competition for the 44 universities and institutes participating. A total of 43 men’s teams and 18 women’s teams are vying for the championship titles and prize money of 5 million ariary for the men’s champions and 4 million ariary for the women’s champions.

This year’s tournament similarly marks a symbolic changing of the guard for ESSCA, with Ando inheriting the iconic number 5 jersey previously worn by Rino, the tournament’s former MVP. This passing of the torch signifies a new era for the team as they aim to defend their title.

The tournament continues through March 22nd, with the semifinals and finals promising to be thrilling contests. Fans can follow the action and stay updated on the latest scores and news through official tournament channels.

Next Up: The Smatchin Ao Tsara semifinals will be held on [Date to be confirmed] at the Palais des Sports Mahamasina. Stay tuned for the official schedule and bracket updates.

What did you think of ESSCA’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!