Villeneuve-d’Ascq opened November basketball action with a familiar script at the Palacium on Sunday, Nov. 1, overcoming a slow start to defeat Angers 78-71 in front of a supportive home crowd, as reported by Les Olympistes. The team known as the Guerrières gave their supporters an early scare before turning the tide to secure the victory against a formidable opponent.
Slow Starts and First-Quarter Struggles
It took three minutes for either side to sink a basket before Stella Colas opened the scoring with a three-pointer to put Villeneuve up 4-0. Angers quickly replied to make it 4-3, initiating a shift in momentum that favored the visitors. At the five-minute mark, Manoë Cissé slipped, allowing an opponent to secure a steal, score two points, and draw a foul. Villeneuve called its first timeout with three minutes remaining in the opening quarter while trailing 9-4.
The hosts found a better rhythm in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 17-19 with 13 minutes played before a three-pointer from Marta Hermida-Herraez extended Angers’ lead again. Villeneuve kept pressing, and Anna Ngo-Ndjock provided a crucial spark right before halftime by sinking a buzzer-beating three-pointer to send the home side into the locker rooms leading 36-31.
Day Harris and Angers’ Rebound Control
Angers stayed within striking distance throughout the second half, anchored by Laura Evrard’s two-pointer following a defensive rebound that kept the UFAB deficit at 55-53 heading into the final period. Angevine guard Day Harris finished with 14 points, operating as a constant threat by pulling down crucial rebounds and pushing the pace on fast breaks. Head coach Maxime Bézin noted that Harris and her teammates forced the Villeneuvoises out of their comfort zones.
Harris contributed a three-pointer in every period and secured five offensive rebounds across each of the final two quarters, utilizing her explosiveness to draw fouls. The visitors tallied 15 total rebounds, including 13 on the defensive end, which repeatedly disrupted Villeneuve’s offensive flow and thwarted blocking attempts.
Coaching Perspectives and Roster Reflections
Despite the win, Maxime Bézin pointed to missed opportunities on easy, well-constructed shots as the primary reason the score remained close. The coach maintained an optimistic view of his squad’s developmental path, stating that the team needs to play, learn, and experience setbacks in order to grow and string positive results together. Guard Bria Hartley echoed that assessment, emphasizing the need for higher energy and sharper concentration on the floor.
Addressing the team’s recurring habit of falling behind before mounting comebacks, Bézin offered a rhetorical question about the preferred path to victory. He also praised Stella Colas following her recent selection to the French national team, describing her as a player who brings essential freshness and energy to the group.
What Lies Ahead for Villeneuve-d’Ascq
The team continues its campaign with upcoming fixtures in the domestic league as the coaching staff works to tighten defensive execution and reduce early-game deficits.
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