The Alliance came back from behind, never gave up and came very close to snatching victory from the two-time defending champions, the Edmonton Stingers, Monday night at the Verdun Auditorium. But she ultimately had to admit defeat by the score of 64-60.
Updated yesterday at 11:47 p.m.
Trailing 28-20 after the first half, Vincent Lavandier’s squad returned to the field with renewed energy. Slowly, but surely, she closed the gap, taking a 37-36 lead late in the third quarter.
The score was 62-60 in favor of the Stingers late in the game, while the target set by Elam* rule was 63. The spectators – still numerous and involved – were on their feet until a basket of Brody Clarke does not seal the outcome of the match.
Lavandier looked good after the game, even though it was a fourth consecutive loss for his team.
“What we saw in the second half, the desire to come back – it’s almost nothing with Elam – shows that the energy that has been put on the pitch is a victory even with the supporters, said he argues. This is how we build the future. »
The Alliance struggled to break through the opposing defense early in the game and had only made 25% of their shots by the halfway point. But they were “good shots, well taken, that went around the circle,” noted the coach.
Photo François Roy, THE PRESS
Sherwood Brown
“We were maybe a little tense and we had a little bad luck. The two go hand in hand. I think we lacked aggressiveness compared to a hyper-athletic team with a lot of experience. They want an empire, it’s written on their t-shirts. »
The Alliance, however, defended very well throughout the match.
“I would like to point out that this is our best defensive game since the beginning of the year, with a lot of energy and solidarity, said Lavandier. I’d rather die with ideas and players who want to sacrifice themselves for others than with players who don’t want to sacrifice themselves and think about statistics. »
Alain Louis, still as dynamic on the field, scored nine points and four assists. It was he who kept the team alive with “his percussion and his desire”, underlined the coach.
“We lost, but we learned a lot today,” effectively summed up the 26-year-old.
“In the first half, Vincent gave us a game plan that we didn’t respect,” he continued. When we came back, we were playing better because we were listening. That’s it. It’s so simple. »
Ashley Hamilton’s impact
Ashley Hamilton was the most productive player with 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in the loss. The 33-year-old winger, who has nine professional years in Europe behind the tie, only arrived from Spain four games ago but his impact is already being felt.
Photo François Roy, THE PRESS
Ashley Hamilton
“He is the captain of the national team of Great Britain, recalled Lavandier. As soon as he arrived he took Nathan [Cayo] under his wing. He said, “You have to play like this, do this.” So I think Nathan’s current progress is also thanks to Ashley. This is what is important. »
“His impact is already daily, continued the coach. The last match, he said to me: ‟Coach, I am not good, play another one.” That’s a real leader. »
Hamilton for his part indicated that it was natural for him to help the youngest.
“I think it’s important to help everyone if you can,” he hinted. In this case, with young players, I try to find opportunities for them to improve. […] I’m not necessarily trying to be a good leader, but I think that’s what you have to do. If anyone needs help, I’m here to help. »
“I think it’s interesting for a young person like me, because I like to learn,” said Alain Louis about the importance of veterans. It is important for my career. »
Find the path to victory
With three wins and six losses in nine games, the Alliance finds itself in eighth place (out of ten) in the general standings with 11 games to play in the season. They have yet to win a match away from home, but will have the opportunity to do so soon as their next three matches are in enemy territory.
According to Alain Louis, it won’t be long; he says the energy in the locker room has “completely changed” since the last game, a 76-64 loss to the Niagara River Lions.
“Everyone is much more positive,” he noted. Also, I think we didn’t do a good job of making the new guys feel comfortable. At the moment, we are heading better for future victories. »
* When there are less than four minutes left in the game, the clock is put away for the rest of the game. At the next stoppage of play, we target a score to reach, which is the number of points of the leading team plus nine.