Algeria National A Women – USA Batna Women Edges MT Setif Women 66–62

Match Overview

In a tightly contested Algeria National A Women’s Basketball League encounter on 22 May 2026, USA Batna Women secured a hard-fought 66–62 road victory over MT Setif Women. The match featured six lead changes and was decided in the final minute by clutch free-throw shooting from the visitors.

First Quarter: Setif’s Fast Start

MT Setif came out aggressively, using home-court energy to race to a 19–13 lead after the first period. Guard Sarah Oukid knocked down two three-pointers and the home team’s press forced several Batna turnovers. However, Batna regrouped in the second quarter, tightening their man-to-man defence and cutting the deficit to 34–33 at halftime.

Second Half: Back-and-Forth Battle

Both teams traded baskets in the third quarter. Batna’s centre, Fatima Zohra Boudiaf, dominated the paint with 8 points in the period, while Setif relied on perimeter shooting from Amina Khelil. The score was tied at 48–48 heading into the final frame.

Final Quarter Drama

The fourth quarter saw intense defensive battles. With 2:30 remaining, Setif took a 60–59 lead on a layup by Oukid. But Batna responded with a 7–0 run, including four made free throws from guard Meriem Belkacem and a crucial steal that led to a transition layup. Setif cut the lead to 64–62 with 15 seconds left, but Belkacem sank two more free throws to seal the win.

Key Players

• Meriem Belkacem (USA Batna): 18 points, 6 assists, and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line. Her composure down the stretch was decisive.
• Fatima Zohra Boudiaf (USA Batna): 14 points and 12 rebounds for a double-double.
• Sarah Oukid (MT Setif): Game-high 22 points, but she cooled off in the second half, shooting only 2-of-8 after the break.

Implications

The win moves USA Batna to 9–5 in the league standings, keeping them in the top four. MT Setif slips to 7–7 but remains in playoff contention. Both teams are expected to meet again in the second half of the season, making this result a potential tiebreaker factor.