Marmande’s BBM basketball team defied expectations, launching their game against Niort with a powerful start, ultimately falling just short in a 60-63 defeat at the Collineum Pascal-Laperche on February 3, 2024.
Niort Edges Out BBM in Nail-Biter
A late surge from Niort spoiled a spirited performance by BBM Marmande, leaving them just above the relegation zone after 16 days of competition.
- BBM Marmande initially dominated, building a significant lead in the first quarter.
- Niort mounted a determined comeback, fueled by strong shooting from beyond the arc.
- A last-second basket secured the win for Niort, marking BBM’s fourth consecutive loss.
Gilles Versier’s BBM squad exploded out of the gate, with Monceau and Ekambi leading the charge and drawing early fouls. They quickly established a 9-2 lead in the third minute. While Cellerier, Miyem Bell, and Alouekey attempted to respond for Niort, their efforts initially proved clumsy, prompting a timeout from Niort coach Laurent Hay. However, the aggressive play from the home team continued unabated.
The score stood at 60-63 at the final whistle, following quarters of 23-11, 13-14, 14-17, and 10-21. The halftime score was 36-25.
Pellure quickly made his presence felt, mystifying Mbaka with a counter-attack and nearly connecting on a three-pointer. Johnson, the evening’s top scorer, secured the rebound and finished the play, extending the lead to 13-2 and then 17-2 early in the fifth minute. BBM’s advantage swelled to 21-2, threatening a rout. But after Hay substituted Alouekey, who already had three fouls, Niort began to find their rhythm. Truffert, Miyem Bell, and Ekwakwe chipped away at the deficit, bringing the score to 21-10 and eventually 23-11 by the end of the first quarter.
Niort’s Slow Climb Back into the Game
Sensing the shift in momentum, BBM pressed the accelerator, embarking on a 7-0 run led by Monceau, targeting opposing defenders and pushing the lead to 30-11 after just three and a half minutes. Niort struggled to find their footing, remaining largely silent during this stretch. Cellerier broke the drought with two free throws, and Lhériau helped the visitors close the second quarter strongly. The teams entered halftime with a score of 36-25, a margin that sparked some concern among the 600 spectators at the Collineum.
The anxieties proved well-founded as the third quarter unfolded. Monceau opened with a three-pointer, and Johnson and Ekambi continued to apply pressure. However, Lhériau, Cellerier, Ekwakwe, and Miyem Bell kept Niort within striking distance, bringing the score to 50-42 by the 30th minute.
The 19 points from Johnson, top scorer of the match, were not enough for the Marmandais.
Sh00tbasket
The final minutes were a tense back-and-forth. With the score tied at 60-60 in the last 30 seconds, the game appeared headed for overtime. However, Ekwakwe received the final pass and, with a last-second shot, secured the victory for Niort. This defeat marks BBM Marmande’s fourth consecutive loss in the championship and their third at home.
After 16 games, Gilles Versier’s team (10th in the standings) holds only a one-point lead over the first team in the relegation zone.
