Very physical start on both sides, with after three minutes only three baskets scored by the Quimperois. But winning shots from Abrams (two) and Dudit (4-9). Challans hangs on and manages to come back to tie 13-13 (8th). Then to go ahead in the last minute (17-15 then 19-17).
Recovery just as quick with Mambagui who unlocks the counter, Bichard responding successfully in stride. Quimper is solid in defense. It is therefore under the racket that the gap is not closed. Opposite, Challans puts the pressure on with more successful passes close to the basket. But it is the marksmanship that is lacking. The locals finally took off thanks to two consecutive winning shots from Morel (30-24, 17th). Berchel becoming the best scorer of the moment to finish this quarter with 10 points. Opposite, Dudit, Wallez and Abrams capping at 6.
An 8-0 that hurts
Back on the floor, it’s Quimper who are more flamboyant (36-36, 23rd). Then Diop made a throw and three points giving the Vendéens the advantage. Is this the turning point of the match? Thibaut Woliki’s players concede an 8-0. The Whites are on every rebound and things are getting very complicated for the Blues. Their liability is seventeen points (59-42, 29th). They no longer control anything in the opposing game. Only Milovanovic still emerges in this period.
There are only ten minutes of play left. Thévenard restarts the three-point machine (59-51, 31st). Challans shows signs of weakness with three missed shots. Labouize scores and all the Quimperois of the day found the net (59-54, 33rd). Wallez comes out on a technical fault, balking at each refereeing decision (37th). Dudit sounds the charge against his former club perfectly. Too late. Victory goes to the most conquering team having pulled out all the stops.
The technical sheet
Referees : MM. Le Quilliec and Le Lan.
Quarts-temps : 19-17, 15-13, 25-18, 18-20.
CHALLANS : Haynes 7 points, Bengaber 3, Racine 6, Pasquier 2, Morel 18, Diop 9, Nikolic 8, Balu Kuasi, Bichard 8, Soustre, Berchel 16
QUIMPER : Dudit 16 points, Wallez 10, Thévenard 11, Abrams 8, Dumortier 2, Burrell 4, Milovanovic 7, Labouize 3, Mambangui 4, Injai 1
