Game Report: MDA Basket staged a remarkable 14-point turnaround to defeat Chaux Sports 72-65. Despite trailing for much of the game, MDA Basket’s captain, Rachez Missouma, led with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Franck Nyembo’s clutch play kept them in the fight.
Last Updated on
November 9, 2024
This clash was a stark contrast to their previous meeting in Cameroon. The game began sluggishly, but both teams soon found their rhythm. MDA Basket, the Gabonese champions, were intent on correcting their past mistakes, knowing that only two teams would advance to the 2025 instalment of the Basketball Africa League.
Playing at a fast pace and capitalising on their youth, they edged ahead with a 19-17 lead in the first quarter. However, they struggled to contain Chaux Sports’ Pitshou Manga, whose dominance in the paint and on the offensive boards posed constant problems for MDA.
In the second quarter, the momentum swung to the Congolese club, which matched MDA Basket’s intensity and found its own rhythm with efficient shooting and powerful rebounding. Chaux Sports led 33-29 by halftime, thanks to creative playmaking from French guard Kyliann Rotadier.
The Gabonese team found themselves unable to repel Chaux Sports’ relentless third-quarter offence, bringing memories of their fourth-quarter collapse in Cameroon. The pressure intensified as Myles Thompson caught fire, efficiently sinking contested shots and pushing the Congolese side to a 51-44 lead by the end of the third.
With Chaux Sports likely to run away with the game, MDA Basket had other plans. Limited to only seven eligible players, head coach John Masnoudji managed his bench expertly as MDA chipped away at the lead, tying the game with just three minutes left.
During this crucial stretch, Chaux Sports rested their starters while teenage sensation Franck Nyembo held his ground, finishing with 14 points, 13 rebounds, and several clutch free throws. MDA’s momentum continued, producing an impressive 14-point swing to claim a 72-65 victory. Captain Rachez Missouma led all scorers with 21 points and 11 rebounds, sealing a memorable comeback.
He had the following ot say:
We came into this battle with 7 guys as the others could not make it. We told ourselves that we would give it our all and die on the court if needs be
He added:
We will continue to believe in our dream as it will carry us through these qualifiers
The Gabonese team have now gained confidence for the rest of the tournament after defeating one of the favorites and exposing cracks in the Congolese side.
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]
