IRT Tanger Edges CODM Meknes 72-70 in Morocco D1 League Thriller

IRT Tanger secured a hard-fought 72-70 victory over CODM Meknes in the Morocco D1 League on October 13, 2026. In a game defined by defensive intensity and clutch shot-making, IRT Tanger made just enough plays down the stretch to protect home court and claim a valuable two-point win.

The final score reflects how evenly matched the teams were. Neither side led by more than a handful of points for long, and the outcome was in doubt until the final buzzer. For IRT Tanger, it was a statement win in the league standings. For CODM Meknes, it was a frustrating near-miss that showed plenty of promise.

Match Overview

IRT Tanger opened the game with aggressive perimeter defense, forcing CODM Meknes into contested jump shots. The home side moved the ball well in the half court, using ball screens to create driving lanes and kick-out opportunities. CODM Meknes responded with a physical inside game and timely three-point shooting, keeping the score tight through the first half.

The pace slowed in the second half as both teams prioritized defensive stops. Every possession became a battle, and the game turned into a series of mini-runs. IRT Tanger’s guards controlled the tempo in the fourth quarter, while CODM Meknes relied on its frontcourt to score through contact.

First Half: CODM Meknes Builds Early Momentum

CODM Meknes started strongly, attacking the offensive glass and drawing fouls in the paint. Their half-court offense focused on post touches and short corner cuts, which created open looks when IRT Tanger collapsed on the ball. A pair of early three-pointers helped the visitors build a small lead.

IRT Tanger stayed close with balanced scoring. The home team’s bench provided energy, especially on the defensive end, and a late first-half run narrowed the gap. By halftime, the game had the feel of a possession-by-possession struggle.

Second Half: IRT Tanger’s Defense Tightens

Coming out of the locker room, IRT Tanger adjusted its pick-and-roll coverage and began forcing CODM Meknes into mid-range shots. The home side also improved its defensive rebounding, limiting second-chance points. On offense, IRT Tanger attacked the rim with purpose and got to the free-throw line consistently.

CODM Meknes refused to fade. Their guards knocked down timely shots, and the team’s interior defense blocked several attempts at the rim. The lead changed hands multiple times in the third quarter, setting up a dramatic finish.

Key Moments and Clutch Execution

With under two minutes to play, IRT Tanger trailed by one. A strong drive and finish gave the home side the lead, and a subsequent defensive stop forced CODM Meknes into a difficult contested three. IRT Tanger then made crucial free throws to extend the margin to two possessions.

CODM Meknes had a final chance to tie or win, but IRT Tanger’s perimeter defense stayed disciplined, contesting the last shot without fouling. The rebound secured the 72-70 win and sent the home crowd into celebration.

Standout Performances

• IRT Tanger’s backcourt: Controlled the fourth quarter with timely scoring and assists.
• IRT Tanger’s frontline: Delivered key defensive stops and rebounds in the final minutes.
• CODM Meknes’s interior scorers: Kept the visitors in the game with efficient paint production.
• CODM Meknes’s guards: Hit important shots but could not convert the final possession.

Tactical Story of the Game

IRT Tanger’s ability to adjust its defensive coverages after halftime was the difference. By taking away easy interior passes and forcing CODM Meknes to beat them from the perimeter, the home team slowed the visitors’ offense. On the other end, IRT Tanger’s patience in the half court led to high-percentage shots and free throws.

CODM Meknes played well enough to win, but a few empty possessions in the final three minutes proved costly. In a league as competitive as the Morocco D1 League, those margins are often the difference between a road win and a narrow defeat.

Standings and Season Impact

The 72-70 result gives IRT Tanger an important win in the Morocco D1 League standings. It strengthens their home record and provides momentum for the next stretch of fixtures. For CODM Meknes, the loss is a tough one, but the performance showed they can compete with strong opponents on the road.

Both teams will take lessons from this game. IRT Tanger will focus on maintaining defensive intensity for full 40 minutes, while CODM Meknes will look to improve late-game execution. If the rematch is anything like this one, it will be another thriller.