PS El Eulma 48 – 53 AS Constantine: Tight Algerian First Division Clash Decided in Second Half

On 24 April 2026, AS Constantine edged out PS El Eulma 53-48 in a low-scoring but fiercely competitive Algerian national First Division basketball game. The result reinforces AS Constantine's strong season while PS El Eulma will rue missed opportunities in a contest that swung on defensive stops and clutch free throws.

Match Overview

The first half was a defensive grind, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. PS El Eulma led 25-23 at the break, relying on interior scoring from their forwards. However, AS Constantine's defense tightened after halftime, holding the hosts to just 23 points in the second half while generating key turnovers in transition.

Key Moments

• Third-quarter turnaround: AS Constantine outscored PS El Eulma 16-10 in the third period, taking a 39-35 lead. A pivotal 9-0 run, fueled by three consecutive steals, swung the momentum definitively.
• Fourth-quarter composure: With PS El Eulma cutting the lead to 49-46 with two minutes remaining, AS Constantine's point guard Mehdi Bouazza calmly sank four free throws in the final 90 seconds to seal the victory.
• Missed opportunities: PS El Eulma shot just 4-of-14 from the free-throw line (28.6%) and committed 18 turnovers, many unforced, undermining their defensive effort.

Tactical Story

The game was defined by perimeter defense and rebounding. AS Constantine's switching defense neutralized PS El Eulma's pick-and-roll game, forcing them into isolation plays with poor results. Offensively, AS Constantine showed patience, working the shot clock effectively and scoring 14 points off turnovers. The visitors also dominated the offensive glass (12 offensive rebounds), generating crucial second-chance points in the tight affair.

Standout Players

• Mehdi Bouazza (AS Constantine): 15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 5/5 from the free-throw line – clutch performance in the closing minutes.
• Yacine Hamoudi (PS El Eulma): 14 points, 10 rebounds – a double-double in a losing effort, but his inside presence was not enough.
• Rachid Khelif (AS Constantine): 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks – anchored the defense with timely rejections.

Season Impact

The win improves AS Constantine's record to 14-7, keeping them in contention for the league's top four spots and a potential playoff run. PS El Eulma, now 10-11, sees their postseason hopes dim further as they slip to eighth place in the standings. With only a handful of games left, PS El Eulma must win consistently to avoid missing the playoffs entirely.

AS Constantine's disciplined defensive performance will give them confidence heading into a crucial home match against league leaders MC Alger. For PS El Eulma, regrouping quickly is essential as they prepare for a must-win trip to face USM Blida next week.