Jeanne d’Arc de Dakar opened their 2024 WBLA campaign with a convincing 57-34 win over BC Makomeno at the Marius Ndiaye Arena. Backed by home fans, Jeanne d’Arc’s second-half surge, led by Mbarka Diop and Ndèye Fall, capitalized on Makomeno’s 34 turnovers to secure the victory and take an early lead in Group C.
Last Updated on
December 8, 2024
Jeanne d’Arc de Dakar began their 2024 Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) campaign with a statement victory, defeating DR Congo’s BC Makomeno 57-34 at the Marius Ndiaye Arena. Backed by a lively home crowd, the Senegalese side delivered a dominant second-half performance to secure their first win in Group C.
BC Makomeno came out of the locker room firing, catching Jeanne d’Arc off guard with their aggressive suffocating defense. Nevertheless Jeanne d’Arc built an early 14-19 lead. They controlled the tempo, crashing the boards and forcing Makomeno into uncharacteristic turnovers.
By halftime, Jeanne d’Arc maintained a slim 31-24 advantage, but the momentum quickly began to shift as Jeanne d’Arc adjusted their strategy.
Jeanne D'Arc's halftime adjustments proved pivotal. They came out in the third quarter with renewed energy, focusing on controlling the paint and increasing defensive pressure. Jeanne d’Arc went on a 0-9 run midway through the quarter, flipping the game in their favor. A series of fast-break points and clutch three-pointers from Mbarka Diop saw them enter the final quarter leading 31-40.
Makomeno's struggled to respond but fluffed their lines with unnecessary turnovers and missed opportunities. Jeanne d’Arc’s defense intensified, forcing Makomeno into difficult shots while exploiting gaps in transition.
The duo of Ndèye Fall and Mbarka Diop starred for Jeanne d’Arc. Mbarka Diop led all scorers with 18 points, Ndiaye contributed 14 points and four rebounds.. Their chemistry and leadership kept Jeanne d’Arc focused in high-pressure moments.
Despite Makomeno's dominance on the boards (71-42) they were unable to make a difference. Jeanne d’Arc scored 20 points from Makomeno’s 34 turnovers which, were critical to their success. Makomeno's shooting woes in the second half (15% overall) allowed Jeanne d’Arc to pull away. The Senegalese side outscored their opponents in the fourth quarter, showcasing superior fitness and composure.
Jeanne d’Arc de Dakar’s disciplined performance and home support propelled them to a well-earned victory, putting them in a strong position in Group C. For BC Makomeno, the loss highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining consistency across four quarters. Jeanne d’Arc now looks ahead to their next match, brimming with confidence, while Makomeno will regroup and aim to bounce back.
[Photography/Imagery : Courtesy of FIBA]
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