Recap

In a thrilling showdown at the Colisée de Laval, the Hoopers secured a narrow 49-46 victory over the Balkan Brothers in D1 Season 4 action. The game was a nail-biter, showcasing stellar performances from both sides, but it was the Hoopers’ second-half composure that ultimately tipped the scales.

Leading the charge for the Hoopers was the dynamic Shawn Tahriq, whose exceptional skill was on display with 31 points, making him the standout performer of the evening. Despite the Balkan Brothers’ significant rebounding advantage—25 total boards compared to the Hoopers’ 15—the inability to convert possessions into points proved costly. Johnny Amselem shone bright for the Brothers, pouring in 28 points and showcasing his shooting prowess, as the team shot an impressive 45.5% from beyond the arc.

The game was tense throughout, with the Hoopers managing to edge ahead with mid-court turnovers leading to fast-break points after maintaining a perfect turnover record. The momentum shifted in the second half as the Hoopers tightened their defense while capitalizing on crucial offensive plays, ultimately sealing their victory. With the rebound margin favoring the Brothers, the outcome underscored how efficiency in scoring can eclipse power in other statistics.

Highlights:

• Shawn Tahriq led the Hoopers with a game-high 31 points.
• The Balkan Brothers were unable to make the most of their 10-rebound advantage.
• Johnny Amselem scored an impressive 28 points for the Balkan Brothers.
• The Hoopers shot 52.5% from the field, highlighting their offensive efficiency.
• Hoopers enjoyed a turnover-free game, crucial in maintaining their lead down the stretch.
• The Hoopers’ balanced offensive attack kept their opponents guessing, despite fewer assists (5 compared to 8 for the Brothers).