BASKETBALL (Pro A Betclic): The JDA Dijon wins its offensive duel against La Chorale de Rouanne
This match had everything to be spectacular, insofar as it offered us the opportunity to see the two best attacks in the French championship clash, and the promise was kept! Dijonnais and Rouannais fought a magnificent battle to see in the end the team of the city of the Duke led by the genius and the cold blood of the inevitable David Holston (27pts 1reb 4pas)
The start of the match is very well controlled by the JDA players. The Burgundian attack is perfectly oiled in alternating shots at mid-range and sharp penetrations near the circle. The attacking tempo is as usual managed by an aggressive David Holston with the ball in hand, which allows him to cause fouls and find passes in the right time for his teammates.
However, despite the shy first five minutes, the Rouannais gradually warmed up. The best attack in the championship takes control of the game in the middle of the quarter (16-17) relying on its duo Morin (10pts 2reb 2pas) / Roos (12pts 3reb 1pas). It is not only the attack that is gaining momentum on the visitor side but also the defense.
Indeed, the players of the Chorale set up two-man grips on the outside while making sure to condemn access to the circle, result of the races plus 4 points at the end of the quarter (22-26).
The Dijonnais want to reverse the trend and are working to make the ball more circular in attack to find the open shooters. However, the address is not there at the start of the meeting for the players of the city of the Dukes.
The locals do not subscribe to their game plan and it will eventually pay off. The young full-back Ducoté chained two shots off the screen and sounded a wind of revolt in the bays of the Palace to allow the locals to regain the lead (31-30). The Dijonnais therefore seem to be getting into the game as confirmed by the magnificent alley-oop initiated by Hrovat (15pts 4reb 3pas) and finished by McDuffie.
The visitors did not start abusing them and will cut short the Burgundian euphoria thanks to Foster’s long-distance shot as well as Roos’ interception which allowed his teammates to come back in front two minutes from the break (42 -44).
But as we sensed in this quarter, the locals are determined to return to the locker room with the advantage of the score. The last two minutes are one-way with a big run initiated by the Burgundy bench with the Simon / Alingue duo. The first plays the part of the gunslinger, the second that of the executioner in the racket. Advantage therefore Dijon of 5pts at halftime (49-44).
On returning from the locker room, the match was on the same basis, namely a choppy rhythm due to general indiscipline on the floor. The locals take advantage of this false rhythm to call back on an outside basket from the very restless Foster (51-51).
The pace is gradually accelerating in this third quarter with two attacks that find a cruising speed.
The first rally is won by the players of the Chorale who force Nenad Markovic to take a time out on an award-winning basket by March JR (24pts 5reb 4pas) which rises sufficiently in temperature in this quarter time. Nevertheless, the Burgundians did not let themselves be left behind and managed to regain the advantage on a tap from Gavin Ware which made the Palace roar (67-65 28’00).
Despite the dynamics of the JDA, the visitors remained in contact and even managed to regain control thanks to their absolutely unplayable full-back March JR who scored a huge shot from the parking lot (67-70).
So we are now entering Money Time and the basketball level will go up 5 floors. Dijonnais and Rouannais will offer an absolutely breathtaking offensive spectacle to the public of the Palais des Sports. The commander-in-chief of the Dijon armada is obviously called David Holston.
The point guard perfectly assumes his All Star status by reciting a participation thanks to an absolutely insolent long distance address. Yes, but to make a magnificent scenario it takes two people. The Rouannais therefore played their part perfectly with a response systematically given to the backstops of the Dijon attack.
Illustration at the last minute of the meeting where David Holston converted a 2-point basket after making the Roannaise defense dance. The locals make a mini break by offering themselves a 3-point lead (96-93). Nevertheless, the inexhaustible March JR will come and plant a huge long-distance shot that will bring his teammates back to the height once again. Nenad Markovic has no choice, he takes a time-out.
The coach trusts his Slovenian fullback Gregor Hrovat who converts a floater which gives his team a precious 2 point lead. There is one last cartridge left in the visitors’ loader who have the opportunity to respond, but the Burgundian defense presses the game and manages to recover the ball. The bets are made, the match is over, the Dijonnais will emerge victorious from the arena.
The Dijonnais got out of the Rouannais trap by validating an offensive success on their floor. The Burgundian capital can greatly grant the blow of heat of its American leader. The JDA players therefore have a second consecutive success in the league, allowing them to continue their almost perfect start to the season.
ML
JDA Dijon won 101 to 96 against La Chorale de Rouanne (22-26, 27-18, 18-26, 34-26)
JDA Dijon : Holston (27) / McDuffie (12) / Alingue (8) / Rousselle (5) / Ducoté (9) / Hrovat (15) / Ware (8) / Simon (9) / Brembly (8)
Rouanne Choir : March JR (24) / Foster (16) / Morin (10) / Moody (11) / Gant (12) / Roos (12) / Moendadze (2) / De Sousa (4) / Bruyas (5)
Passes:
– JDA Dijon: Holston (4) / Rousselle (3) / Hrovat (3)
– The Rouanne Choir: March (4) / Foster (2) / Moody (7)
Bounces:
– JDA Dijon: McDuffie (6) / Ware (6) / Alingue (5)
– The Rouanne Choir: Roos (3) / March (5) / De Sousa (4)