MT Setif Women Dominate JF Koulba Women in Algeria National A Clash

In a hard-fought encounter in the Algeria National A Women league, MT Setif Women secured a 64–55 victory over JF Koulba Women on May 24, 2026. The match, played in front of a passionate home crowd, saw Setif control the tempo from the opening tip and withstand a late rally from Koulba to cement their place among the league's top contenders. The win improves Setif’s standing in the fiercely competitive Algerian women’s basketball landscape, where every result matters in the race for playoff positioning.

Match Overview: A Tale of Two Halves

The game began with MT Setif Women asserting their dominance early. Their aggressive full-court press forced multiple turnovers in the first quarter, allowing them to build a 10-point lead by the first break. JF Koulba Women, however, responded with a strong second quarter, tightening their defense and finding rhythm from mid-range. The home side took a 35–30 advantage into halftime, setting the stage for a tense second half.

After the intermission, Setif’s coaching staff made tactical adjustments, focusing on interior scoring and limiting Koulba’s transition opportunities. This paid off as Setif extended their lead to 12 points entering the final quarter. Koulba showed resilience, cutting the deficit to six points with three minutes left, but Setif’s experience in closing out games shone through. Key free throws and a crucial steal sealed the 64–55 final score.

Key Moments and Standout Players

• First Quarter Surge: MT Setif’s perimeter shooting was on fire early, hitting three three-pointers in the opening six minutes. This forced JF Koulba to extend their defense, opening lanes for drives.
• Second Quarter Comeback: Koulba’s guards, particularly their point guard, orchestrated a 10–2 run to close the half, keeping the game within reach.
• Third Quarter Defense: Setif’s interior defender recorded three blocks and multiple deflections, disrupting Koulba’s inside game and sparking fast-break points.
• Clutch Free Throws: With the game in the balance in the final two minutes, Setif’s shooting guard calmly sank four consecutive free throws to ice the victory.

Statistically, MT Setif Women dominated the boards, pulling down 42 rebounds to Koulba’s 31. Their bench also contributed 18 points, proving vital for depth. For JF Koulba, their leading scorer finished with 18 points, but lack of support from role players proved costly.

Impact on the Standings

This result is significant for both teams. MT Setif Women move up the Algeria National A Women table, strengthening their bid for a top-four finish and a potential playoff berth. The victory also improves their head-to-head record against direct rivals. For JF Koulba Women, the loss is a setback in their quest to climb out of the lower half of the standings, though their spirited performance suggests they remain competitive.

As the season progresses, Setif will look to build on this momentum, while Koulba must regroup and find consistency. The league remains wide open, and both teams have shown they can challenge the top sides on any given night.