Setif claimed a 74-65 road victory over PS El Eulma in the Algeria Super Division on Friday night, using a strong second quarter and timely three-point shooting to secure the win. The visitors led for much of the game and held off a second-half challenge from the hosts.

Setif’s balanced attack

Setif shared the ball well and finished with 19 assists, consistently finding open shooters against El Eulma’s zone defense. They knocked down 11 three-pointers and shot 45% from beyond the arc. El Eulma, by contrast, made just six threes and shot 39% from the field. The visitors also won the rebounding battle 38-31, limiting El Eulma’s second-chance opportunities.

The game’s decisive period was the second quarter. After a close opening 10 minutes, Setif outscored El Eulma 23-13 in the second to take a 38-31 halftime lead. El Eulma fought back in the third, cutting the deficit to three, but Setif responded with a 10-2 run early in the fourth to regain control.

Match flow

The first quarter was evenly matched, with both teams trading baskets. El Eulma led 18-15 after the opening period, using aggressive drives and offensive rebounds. Setif adjusted in the second quarter, increasing their defensive pressure and forcing El Eulma into contested shots. The visitors also found their rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting four three-pointers in the period.

El Eulma opened the third quarter with a 9-2 run to cut the lead to 40-38, but Setif answered immediately. A three-pointer from Riad Boukhalfa and a fast-break layup from Nabil Cherif pushed the lead back to seven. The hosts stayed within striking distance but could not complete the comeback.

Key moments

• Second-quarter surge: Setif outscored El Eulma 23-13.
• Fourth-quarter response: Setif used a 10-2 run after El Eulma cut the lead to three.
• Three-point shooting: Setif 11-of-24; El Eulma 6-of-21.
• Rebounds: Setif 38, El Eulma 31.

Standout performers

Riad Boukhalfa led Setif with 21 points, including four three-pointers, and added five rebounds. Nabil Cherif contributed 17 points and seven assists, controlling the pace of the game. Center Samir Haddad added 12 points and 10 rebounds. For PS El Eulma, Hakim Larbi scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Bilal Mansouri added 15 points. El Eulma’s bench provided energy, but the team’s outside shooting struggled in the second half.

League implications

The win gives Setif an important road victory and strengthens their standing in the Algeria Super Division table. PS El Eulma will be disappointed to lose at home, especially after cutting the deficit to three in the third quarter, but they showed resilience against a disciplined opponent. Setif’s ability to execute in key moments and knock down shots from beyond the arc proved decisive, and they will look to build on this performance in their next outing.