Facing Le Mans (108-94), the BBD played well but defensively, “we were at fault on things we worked hard on during the week and couldn’t reproduce during the game. And that’s what we focused on this week, trying to rework on what we want to see, on the non-negotiable expectations.”
Keene suspended
Against Strasbourg, who are a top team, without defense, the BBD won’t go far. The Alsatians are very physical. An example: “On 31% of their missed shots, they get the offensive rebound,” which is a lot and shows real physical commitment. Nelly Joseph collects three per game, a very high average.
To further complicate Boulazac’s task, Strasbourg, who “played with eight or nine throughout the season,” has just signed Louis Labeyrie, bronze medalist at the 2019 World Championships for example.
SIG can also rely on Mike Davis Jr, their top scorer, absent in the first leg (86-82). “We know he’s a walking bucket and that’s a quality, it’s definitely a compliment.”
But on a positive note, Marcus Keene should not play, as he is suspended for “intimidating behavior” against Bourg-en-Bresse. In the Boulazac ranks, Ousman Krubally is likely to be suspended but BBD has appealed. The decision is expected soon.
/2026/03/28/69c847c03f9cf559589010.jpg "Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron crowned world ice dance champions a month and a half ap")
