Author of a match without, the BLMA lost against Keltern in the 8th final first leg and will have to make up for its deficit in the return leg

Fankam a perdu sept ballons face à Keltern. Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART

Author of a failed performance, Lattes-Montpellier lost to Keltern (62-56) for the 8th final first leg, this Thursday, January 9.

It was not the most spectacular match of the year and the Gazelles paid dearly for it. With a tempo that was too moderate, they lost 62-56. The BLMA never really got into its game despite the contribution of the Naigre-Rabot-Fankam trio (29 points for the three players).

30 lost balls

Very imprecise in attack (30 lost balls) and failing in the last quarter, the BLMA will be able to try to reassure itself with a defensive performance a bit more in line with its ambitions.

But opposite, the American Lockett perfectly exploited the weaknesses of the Héraultaises and finished the game with 20 points. For the return leg on Thursday, Lattes-Montpellier will have to correct the situation by catching up on its six-point deficit to secure qualification.

Keltern 62 – 56 BLMA

KELTERN : 62

BLMA : 56

Speiterlinghalle.

Quart-temps : 12-14, 16-21, 15-12, 19-9.

Referees: Vitkauskas, Belousova, Papaioannou.

KELTERN : 19/52 including 8/28 à 3 pts, 16 LF/24, 13 decisive passes, 22 rebounds, 15 lost balls, 17 fouls.

Lockett (20 pts), Muzet (5), Gilles (5), Kiss-Rusk (13), Djordjevic (9), Rosic (1), Konstantinova (9), Turmel.

Coach: Matea Tavic.

BLMA : 22/47 of which 7/13 à 3 pts, 5 LF/8, 10 assists, 40 rebounds, 30 lost balls, 22 fouls.

Suarez (10 pts), Limouzin (4), Bailey (4), Naigre (12), Rabot (8), Fankam (9), Angloma (1), Berniès (8), Milapie.

Coach: Valéry Demory.