And it was for the players of Pierrick Hardy who did not deserve it despite the defeat (84-73): by keeping up with their opponent during two quarters and taking the lead in the last one, Cognac did the job. And without a big absence at the end of the first half, the outcome could have been in their favor.
Led by Malungila (6 points), Cognac ended the first quarter (18-18) on equal footing, taking advantage of Vineuil’s numerous turnovers.
Toujours dans le coup à la 18e (30-29), Cognac allait encaisser un 15-3 en deux minutes trente, dont un trois points à la sirène, essentiellement dû au festival du pivot de Vineuil, Chevallier (10 points en quatre minutes). Un coup sur la tête alors que jusqu’alors, la pression défensive faisait déjouer les Loir-et-Chériens.
Courageux, les promus ne lâchaient pas l’affaire et revenaient sur les talons de leurs adversaires à la 24e (45-41) avant de nouveau de subir un écart en fin de troisième quart-temps. Fatal celui-là.
Despite Terrasson’s efforts, who was the top scorer of the game with 28 points, the Charentais team was unable to make a comeback in the match.
Cette première en N3, dans la foulée d’une préparation difficile et avec un groupe très amoindri, peut toutefois laisser des signes d’espoir à un groupe qui n’aura jamais lâché.
Pierrick Hardy, coach of Cognac, expressed that they started the game well and managed to keep up with their opponents. However, their opponents had a significant advantage with their talented players. Cognac fought with their own strengths and came close to succeeding. They experienced two setbacks towards the end of the first half and in the second half. Each time, their opponents widened the gap. Cognac made a comeback but expended a lot of energy in the process. They need to focus on discipline more. Overall, Vineuil, being more well-rounded, was superior.
Nabil Saïfi, the coach of Vineuil, expressed that they delivered a solid performance despite lacking some cohesion and clarity. They occasionally succumbed to the opponent’s defensive pressure, resulting in turnovers and failure to return to a defensive position.
