Toulouse. A win bodes well for TBC
Tuesday evening at home, the Toulouse eliminated Angers, resident of Pro B. The 1st day of N1 is scheduled for next Tuesday.
> The essential
To everyone’s surprise, the TBC (deprived of Olivier Yao Delon and Lucas Kouyaté, injured, and Mohammad Diop, not qualified) won (98-91) against Angers (Pro B), defeated in preparation. A very auspicious success before the start of the championship next Tuesday in Vitré.
> The encounter
Ali Bouziane, the coach of Angers, former Spacer’s player in Toulouse (Pro B and Pro A, from 1995 to 1999), applies the TBC for a team renowned for its 3-point shooters. By tightening the defense of his team on the inside game, he created spaces for the outside Toulouse who gave themselves to their heart’s content (6 out of 7 in the 2nd quarter and 10 out of 14 in 30 minutes at 3 points). From 10 at the break (46-36), the local lead climbed to 16 points (66-50, 26th). The TBC then showed great serenity when Angers recalled to a point (71-70, 31st). The visitors never seemed able to impose themselves. Their will to stop the clock will prove futile as Toulouse signed a brilliant 16 of 19 on free throws in the last quarter.
> The new Toulouse pros
On a very little seen Ladji Meite (4 faults in 8 minutes in the 1st and 3rd quarters), but his presence during the last three minutes of the match (2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 interception) was precious. Cédric André (44% success at 2 points, 2 offensive rebounds) hinted at good arrangements. Maxence Dadiet (5 of 8 on shots, 11 of 13 on free throws, 9 assists, 22 evaluation) has more than compensated for his seven losses of balls by eight fouls caused. As for Samir Mekdad, a rock in defense, he made the match almost perfect (3 out of 4 at 3 points, 7 assists, 3 interceptions, 3 fouls caused).
> Statement by Stéphane Dao, TBC coach
“Our victory is very good for morale. I really liked our fighting spirit, more than our basket level. It allowed us to not let go and to always find solutions when Angers came back to score. Many of our bullets are avoidable. Our team is young, they can only lose progress. Time is on our side. Especially since our preparation has been disrupted by injuries and the absence of a rookie.”