NB Staoueli Holds Off TRA Draria 60-53 in Algeria Cup Tussle

NB Staoueli advanced in the Algeria Cup with a gritty 60-53 victory over TRA Draria on May 2, 2026. The seven-point win was harder than the final margin suggests, as Draria mounted a fierce rally in the fourth quarter before Staoueli's defense slammed the door.

Match Overview

The cup clash was a defensive battle from the opening tip, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. NB Staoueli took a narrow lead into halftime and extended it slightly in the third quarter, but TRA Draria refused to go quietly. The hosts cut the deficit to three points with under three minutes remaining, but Staoueli responded with a crucial 7-3 run to seal the result. The Algeria Cup is known for its unpredictability, and this match lived up to that reputation.

Key Moments

• Slow start: The first quarter ended 14-12 in favor of Staoueli, as both teams shot poorly from the field.
• Third quarter push: Staoueli opened a 45-36 lead, their largest of the game, behind a quick 9-0 run.
• Draria's comeback: TRA Draria used full-court pressure to force turnovers and close the gap to 56-53.
• Clutch free throws: Staoueli made four of six from the line in the final minute to ice the game.

Standout Players

NB Staoueli's veteran guard led all scorers with 16 points, including six critical free throws in the fourth quarter. His leadership on the floor was evident as the team weathered Draria's run. For TRA Draria, their forward contributed a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, but the team's 38% shooting from the field proved too costly to overcome.

Cup Implications

With this victory, NB Staoueli advances to the next round of the Algeria Cup, keeping their hopes of silverware alive. TRA Draria, despite the loss, showed fight and can take positives from their defensive effort into their league campaign. The cup competition remains wide open, and Staoueli will now prepare for a tougher test in the following round.