USM Blida edged past NA Hussein Dey 94-82 in a high-tempo Algeria Super Division clash on Friday night, using a decisive third quarter to break open a game that had been tightly contested through the first half. The 12-point final margin flattered the visitors little, as Blida controlled the closing stages and answered every Hussein Dey run with one of their own.

Match Overview

Both teams came out shooting, and the opening period set the tone for an entertaining, offense-first contest. Blida's guards attacked the rim aggressively, while Hussein Dey countered with efficient mid-range shooting and an effective inside-out attack. The game featured nine lead changes in the first half alone, with neither side able to establish a sustained advantage.

The difference came after halftime. Blida tightened up defensively, limited Hussein Dey's second-chance opportunities and turned a two-point halftime lead into a double-digit cushion by the end of the third quarter. From there, they managed the game with maturity, converting free throws down the stretch to keep their opponents at arm's length.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

• First quarter: USM Blida 24, NA Hussein Dey 18 — Blida's fast start set the early tone.
• Second quarter: NA Hussein Dey 24, USM Blida 20 — Hussein Dey fought back to trail by two at the break (44-42).
• Third quarter: USM Blida 26, NA Hussein Dey 20 — the decisive stretch of the contest.
• Fourth quarter: USM Blida 24, NA Hussein Dey 20 — Blida closed it out from the foul line.

Key Moments

Trailing 46-44 early in the third quarter, USM Blida produced the game's defining run — a 13-2 burst built on three consecutive defensive stops and a pair of three-pointers from the wing. That stretched the lead to 57-46 and forced Hussein Dey into a timeout they never truly recovered from.

Hussein Dey made one last push midway through the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to eight points with a 7-0 run of their own, but Blida's composure at the free-throw line proved decisive. They converted 11 of 13 attempts in the final six minutes to seal the result.

Standout Players

Yacine Boudjema was the game's leading scorer with 24 points, mixing aggressive drives with reliable perimeter shooting and setting the tempo for Blida throughout. Islam Benali added 19 points and seven assists, directing the offense with poise during the crucial third-quarter run, while Mohamed Amine Cherif contributed 15 points and nine rebounds in the paint.

Walid Bouzid chipped in 12 points off the bench, and Sofiane Meziane added 10 as part of a balanced Blida attack that saw five players reach double figures.

For NA Hussein Dey, Ryad Bencheikh led the way with 21 points, while Fouad Zerrouki finished with 18 points and eight rebounds. Bilal Ait Ali added 14 points, but the visitors struggled to find a fourth consistent scorer and paid for it in the second half.

Tactical Story

USM Blida's adjustment at halftime was the turning point. After conceding 42 first-half points, they switched to a more compact defensive shape, closing driving lanes and forcing Hussein Dey into contested jumpers. The visitors managed just 20 points in each of the final two quarters, well below their first-half output.

Offensively, Blida leaned heavily on ball screens and dribble penetration, collapsing the defense before kicking out to shooters. Their ability to get to the rim also generated fouls, and their 24-of-29 performance from the free-throw line proved to be one of the most significant statistical edges of the night.

Season Impact

The win is a valuable one for USM Blida in the Algeria Super Division standings, moving them into a stronger position as the season progresses and reinforcing their reputation as a tough, well-drilled side capable of closing out tight games. It also extends a promising run of form at home.

NA Hussein Dey will be frustrated by a second half in which their offense stalled at exactly the wrong moment. Their first-half performance showed they can compete with the league's better teams, but consistency across four quarters remains the challenge. Both clubs now turn their attention to the next round of fixtures, with Blida looking to build and Hussein Dey aiming to bounce back quickly.