It was in front of a packed house that the Lorientais began the match against a Toulouse team galvanized by their victory in Tours. The Toulouse team quickly made their hosts understand that nothing would be easy (17-18, 10'). Their defensive alternation disrupted the Lorient attack which failed to find the target and persisted in three points rather than seeking the solution near the circle.
Laurent Mopsus' men gradually opened up a first gap (25-36, 16') which Lorient managed to fill in with Valentin, who was incisive at the end of the half (32-38).
Many mistakes
As soon as the restart, Lorient quickly caught up and even took the advantage in the score thanks to a renewed defense and some brilliant actions. But that was without counting on this imp of Jean (15 points) who kept Toulouse in contact (49-47, 30').
The last quarter was thrilling, as the two teams were so close and the scoreboard lit up like a Christmas tree with the fouls. Lorient multiplied the losses of bullets and offered ammunition to the Toulouse residents who were eager to sow doubt in the stands of Kervaric. Without panicking in the face of the ambient pressure and by managing this fourth quarter perfectly, Toulouse logically won (63-66).
The technical sheet
Referees: V. Voyeau and M. Carrazedo
Spectators: 3 000
The quarters: 17-18, 15-20, 17-9, 14-19
CEP Lorient: starting five: Robin (8), Sclear (16), Henry (11), Williams (8), Franceschi (5), then Benoit (0), Vitale lame (10), Dohou (2), Mondésir (3) , Gueye (0), Sané (0), Cristini (0). Ent. : P. Thibaud
TOULOUSE : Starting five: Jean (15), Ona Embo (9), Gottin (0), Butler (13), Ouattara (2), then Coustures (0), Gana (7), Aygalenq (13), Imboua (7) , Ent. : L. Mopsus
