Game Report: In a pivotal matchup within the Sahara Conference of the 2024 Basketball Africa League, US Monastir took a significant stride towards securing a coveted playoff berth with a hard-fought 75-69 victory over AS Douanes.
Last Updated on
May 12, 2024
There was no need for complex scenarios or calculations for the two teams. AS Douanes, seeking a victory to bolster their chances of qualifying, and US Monastir, aiming for a second consecutive win to enhance their position in the group standings, squared off in a high-stakes, do-or-die showdown. This game was crucial for both teams as it could potentially determine their fate in the BAL standings.
The former champions of BAL made a strong start, clinching the first quarter by a narrow margin of two points (17-15). The Tunisian side maintained pressure and extended their lead to eight points (27-19) following a three-pointer from the relentless Chris Crawford. George Attitebi Williams also made a significant offensive impact, contributing a series of powerful shots. Monastir had surged by halftime by thirteen points, leading 48-35 and undoubtedly spurred on by their coach's halftime talk. This was a strong performance from Monastir, who had a [X] record against AS Douanes in their previous encounters, and AS Douane returned to the court with a renewed strategy.
Fuelled by their supporters' energy, the Senegalese club began closing the gap. With just three minutes remaining in the third quarter, Jean-Boissy and his teammates trailed by only three points. However, Oussama Marnaoui's sharp shooting widened Monastir's lead to eleven points, ending the quarter with a score of 58-50. This was a crucial moment in the game, as Marnaoui's three-pointer not only extended Monastir's lead but also shifted the momentum in their favor.
Although AS Douanes won the third quarter (15-10), they still trailed by eight points and faced an uphill battle to overcome the deficit. As the final quarter began, it was their last opportunity for a comeback. However, Monastir's defence tightened, thwarting any attempts at a rally. With just two minutes left on the clock, Monastir maintained a ten-point lead (69-59).
As the game neared its conclusion, Monastir appeared poised for victory. The final score of 78-71 only underscored the intensity of the match. The battle for the second qualifying spot remains uncertain, adding a layer of suspense and anticipation to the final day of play.
