JF Koulba Women Edge Past USA Batna Women 69–61 in Algeria National A

Algiers, May 23, 2026 – JF Koulba Women secured a hard-fought 69–61 victory over USA Batna Women in the Algeria National A Women’s league, showcasing resilience and defensive grit in a closely contested matchup. The game, held at a neutral venue, saw both teams trade leads before JF Koulba pulled away in the final quarter.

Match Overview

From the opening buzzer, it was clear that neither side would give an inch. USA Batna started strong, using their speed to create early scoring opportunities. However, JF Koulba responded with disciplined half-court defense and timely shooting. The first half ended with only a slim margin, setting up a tense second half. In the end, experience and composure under pressure made the difference for JF Koulba, who executed well in crunch time.

Key Moments and Tactical Story

The turning point came midway through the third quarter. JF Koulba’s zone defense began to frustrate USA Batna’s offense, forcing several shot-clock violations and turnovers. On the offensive end, JF Koulba’s guards attacked the basket effectively, drawing fouls and converting free throws. USA Batna relied heavily on outside shooting, but their three-point percentage dipped in the second half. A key run of 10–2 early in the fourth quarter gave JF Koulba a comfortable cushion that they managed to maintain until the final whistle.

Standout Players

• JF Koulba Women: Their power forward dominated the paint with 18 points and 14 rebounds, recording a double-double. The point guard added 15 points and 7 assists, controlling the tempo.
• USA Batna Women: The team’s leading scorer finished with 20 points, including four three-pointers, but lacked sufficient support from her teammates, particularly in the second half.

Season and Table Impact

The victory strengthens JF Koulba’s position in the middle of the Algeria National A Women’s standings, giving them valuable momentum as they aim for a playoff spot. For USA Batna, the narrow loss is a missed opportunity to climb higher, but their competitive performance suggests they remain a tough opponent for any team in the league. Both teams will look to build on lessons learned from this tight encounter.

Fans of Algerian women’s basketball saw an intense battle that highlighted the growing quality and depth of the National A league. JF Koulba’s ability to close out tight games could prove crucial as the season progresses.