From our special correspondents in Nanterre.
> In Nanterre, this Tuesday April 30, theADA Blois was playing for his future in Betclic Elite, three matches from the end of the championship.
> A defeat condemned the Blésois to Pro B, like a victory for Gravelines-Dunkerque against Bourg-en-Bresse.
> But the Morabito gang imposed itself nice way in the Paris region despite the absences of Tobin Carberry and Thomas Hieu-Courtois (103-106)while the BCM was defeated by the JL.
> By doing the calculations, the adventure at the highest French level is not not yet officially finished. While waiting for this Saturday, May 4, where the same scenario will apply, this time on the floor of Sig Strasbourg.
The game
40e103-106. It’s over ! There will be no cataclysm and the Blésois managed the last moments well. Here is a tenth success this season, achieved through hard work after a high-quality performance.
39’53, 101-104. This same Begarin scores a winning shot this time, maintaining the pressure on the ADA. Not for nothing does David Morabito take a time out.
39’44, 98-102. Juhann Begarin only scores one shot out of two. Only sixteen seconds left to negotiate well to achieve a great victory.
39’29, 97-102. Nanterre nibbles at the free throw game and misses his chance to come back very close after a ball recovered on a two-hander. Instead, Barbitch adds a throw.
38’30, 94-100. The 100 point mark has been crossed and the Blésois still hold the score.
38e92-98. With two free throws scored by Brice Dessert, ADA Blois takes a six-point lead, the biggest gap of the match! There are 2’47 left on the clock.
While it was over in Gravelines-Dunkerque, the BCM lost to Bourg-en-Bresse (64-75). A Blesoise victory in these last minutes and the officialization of relegation will be postponed.
36e90-93. The power of Rashard Kelly! The American snatches an offensive rebound, proof of a team that is fighting, and crushes a dunk in the circle. With the fault as a bonus.
34e88-89. Barbitch’s throws following an unsportsmanlike foul give Blois the lead again. Bibbins adds two points on the other side, which Brown is quick to erase. Both teams stand together!
33e86-83. Great offensive sequences take place on the Nanterre floor, allowing the ADA to hang on.
30e78-75. At the end of the third quarter, Milan Barbitch’s teammates are still in the game! There are ten minutes left to make the difference and get a tenth victory this season.
27e69-68. There is still some resource since Maxime Sconard, with a basket in contact, and Kerem Kanter bring their team back up to speed quickly.
26e66-61. The JSF is getting some fresh air. Or rather the ADA gave it to him. Because two losses of balls, including one in a very stupid way on a throw-in, gave Bastien Pinault five quick points.
24e57-58. Nanterre came back in front following points from Fall Faye, but Traoré responded with an authoritarian tap. A crossover is coming.
22e52-56. This is going quite well in favor of Blois. Annoyed so far by the fouls, Brice Dessert made room in the racket to score a lay up with the foul.
On the statistical side, Timothé Vergiat had a productive first period, with 15 points. Traoré (9) seconds him well with his energy always overflowing under the circles.
At the same time, on the Gravelines-Dunkerque side, the BCM is led in its room by Bourg-en-Bresse (33-39). Which would provide a reprieve from the ADA.
20e48-50. It’s a break at the Maurice-Thorez sports center! And, for the moment, David Morabito’s gang is fulfilling its part of the contract by leading by two small points despite a catastrophic start.
18e43-44. The Blésois are in front for the first of the game, helped by a strong skill behind the arc in this second quarter (50% at three points). Nanterre will have to work hard.
Surprises from the chef: presence in the NBA players’ room Bilal Coulibaly (Washington Wizards) and above all Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs), UFO trained in Nanterre. The two young men of course received a standing ovation.
16e41-36. ADA Blois came back to within one point after a victory from Vergiat. But Justin Bibbins responds.
15e37-33. The pace picks up little by little, thanks to some counter-attacks going to the end and successful outside shots by Pinault and Rion Brown.
13e32-26. The match becomes more closed, the baskets become rare and the Blesois deficit remains constant.
10e30-24. End of the first quarter, with the gap reduced to six units thanks to a good passage from Timothé Vergiat, author of seven points, and a higher defensive slider.
8e28-16. The crisis calmed down and Barbitch, Traoré and Kanter found their way to the circle to reduce the gap.
6e24-7. It’s quite unreal, the defense is completely lost and Nanterre scores almost on every possession.
4e17-5. The first timeout is set by David Morabito. And for good reason, its players are overwhelmed on all sides by the Ile-de-France attack.
3e13-3. Nanterre is already finding its rhythm, with winning shots from Bibbins and Sene. And, unusual scene, a basket against his camp by Rashard Kelly.
1D. Here we go for this 32e Betclic Elite day! And the first two points are for Ibrahima Fall Faye.
The pre-match
7:56 p.m. The starting five have fallen at the same time as the atmosphere rises. For Nanterre, we will find Bibbins, Sene, Begarin Rodriguez and Faye. ADA Blois presents itself with Milan Barbitch, Rashard Kelly, Armel Traoré, Kerem Kanter and Rion Brown.
7:46 p.m. As usual, a good contingent of Loir-et-Chériens supporters are traveling to encourage their team this Tuesday.
7:37 p.m. Captain Rion Brown returns to a floor he knows well, having played at Nanterre last season.
Kerem Kanter, Brice Dessert and Armel Traoré are warming up.
© (Photo NR, Romain Pichon)
7:22 p.m. Just a week ago, David Morabito’s men lost in overtime at home against Chalon-sur-Saône (92-95). A frustrating setback after having had a lead of around twenty points.
7:10 p.m. At the curtain-raiser, the Espoirs conceded a cruel setback in overtime, yet being ahead with seven seconds remaining (107-94).
