MC Alger Grind Out 62-52 Home Win Over CS Tlemcen in Algeria Super Division

MC Alger defeated CS Tlemcen 62-52 in a hard-fought Algeria Super Division basketball matchup on September 18, 2026, at the Salle Omnisports de Hydra in Algiers. The home side used a decisive fourth-quarter surge to pull away from a stubborn CS Tlemcen team, securing a valuable victory in front of a passionate late-night crowd.

The final score of 62-52 reflects a game defined by defensive intensity and timely shot-making. MC Alger never trailed after the opening minutes, but CS Tlemcen kept the pressure on until the final five minutes, when the hosts finally broke the game open with a 12-3 run. The win improves MC Alger’s standing in the Algeria Super Division table, while CS Tlemcen remains in search of consistency on the road.

Match Overview: A Tale of Two Halves

MC Alger started the game with clear intent, pushing the pace early and attacking the basket. Behind strong inside play and a pair of quick transition buckets, the home side raced to a 16-9 lead midway through the first quarter. CS Tlemcen responded with a more patient half-court offense, but they struggled to convert from beyond the arc, finishing the opening period down 20-14.

The second quarter turned into a defensive battle. Both teams traded empty possessions, and scoring became increasingly difficult. MC Alger managed to extend their advantage to double digits briefly, but CS Tlemcen clawed back with free throws and second-chance points. At halftime, MC Alger held a 34-26 lead, buoyed by their rebounding edge and a handful of steals that led to easy baskets.

Key Moments That Shaped the Result

• First-quarter burst: MC Alger opened with an 8-2 run, setting the tone with aggressive perimeter defense.
• CS Tlemcen’s third-quarter rally: The visitors cut the deficit to 44-40 late in the third, forcing MC Alger to call timeout.
• Fourth-quarter dagger: With 4:20 remaining, MC Alger’s point guard drilled a contested three-pointer to push the lead to 55-46, effectively ending the comeback bid.
• Free-throw reliability: MC Alger made 9 of 11 free throws in the final quarter, preventing CS Tlemcen from gaining momentum.

Tactical Story: Defense Wins the Night

MC Alger’s coaching staff opted for an active 2-3 zone for much of the second half, daring CS Tlemcen to shoot from the outside. The strategy worked: CS Tlemcen finished the game with a low shooting percentage from three-point range and committed 15 turnovers, many of which turned into MC Alger fast breaks. The home team also dominated the glass, pulling down 38 rebounds to CS Tlemcen’s 29, including 12 offensive boards that led to crucial second-chance points.

CS Tlemcen, meanwhile, showed flashes of quality in transition but lacked the half-court execution needed to consistently break down MC Alger’s set defense. Their leading scorer kept them within striking distance, but foul trouble in the frontcourt limited their ability to match MC Alger’s physicality inside.

Standout Players

For MC Alger, shooting guard Yacine Berrahal led all scorers with 18 points, including three three-pointers, and added 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Power forward Mohamed Amine Khelifi contributed a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the paint on both ends. Point guard Sofiane Merbah chipped in 10 points and 6 assists, controlling the tempo in the closing minutes.

CS Tlemcen was paced by Karim Belkacem, who scored 15 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Guard Walid Benslimane added 11 points, but the visitors struggled to find a third scoring option consistently. Despite the loss, Belkacem’s performance was a bright spot for a CS Tlemcen side that continues to compete hard on the road.

Algeria Super Division Standings and Season Impact

With the 62-52 victory, MC Alger strengthens their position in the upper half of the Algeria Super Division standings. The win improves their home record and gives them momentum heading into a challenging stretch of fixtures. For CS Tlemcen, the defeat leaves them needing to regroup quickly, as they remain in the lower half of the table and face pressure to string together wins to climb toward playoff contention.

The head-to-head history between these two clubs has been competitive in recent seasons, but MC Alger now has bragging rights in this latest meeting. The defensive discipline and rebounding advantage they displayed could serve as a blueprint for the rest of their campaign.

What’s Next

MC Alger will look to build on this result when they return to action next week, while CS Tlemcen will aim to c