Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup – women’s semifinal game one-Bel Air draw first blood against Mont Fleuri |22 September 2005

League runners-up Bel Air, who beat Anse Boileau-based Hot Shots 57-42 to set up a semifinal showdown with Mont Fleuri, trailed by one point – 12-13 – at the end of the first quarter.

But they were able to overturn the deficit and win the remaining three quarters 12-4, 17-15 and 16-8.

Centre Lindy Aglaé led Bel Air in scoring with a game-high 14 points and Jenita Toussaint was the only other Bel Airian in double figures with 10 points.

Bel Air’s starting five outscored that of Mont Fleuri 40-34. Coach Boniface’s bench contributed 17 points to the victory while Mont Fleuri’s substitutes scored only six points.

Captain Bernadette Songor and veteran Williana Dubois finished with 12 points apiece to pace Mont Fleuri, coached by former Seychelles player Georges François.

The second match between the two teams is Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Palais des Sports and if Bel Air, who lost their League title to SBF Cup defending champions Anse Etoile Stars, can get a second win they will move to the best-of-three final.

In the event of Mont Fleuri winning game two, the decider will be played on Tuesday September 27, starting at 5.15 p.m. at Victoria Gymnasium.

What they said:

Georges François, Mont Fleuri’s coach: “We have to play hard basketball in game two. Our defence did OK on Tuesday,  but in offence we have to score. We can win game two and force a decisive game three.”

Robinson Boniface, Bel Air’s coach: “After winning game one, I expect my team to end the series on Saturday. My players are ready for the match and they will do it.”

G. G.