71 points conceded. It is the second best defensive mark of the year after Caen (65 points conceded and as against Chartres). But this time, it is in front of the co-leader that the Choir has bared its claws and that is new. La Chorale has never lost by taking less than 81 points… Its attacking strength is such that if it finds the right balance it will be able to claim the top spot.
The two best defenses in the championship
It was the two best defenses in the championship face to face and the Chorale de Roanne knew how to make Orléans bend. She was not dependent on her address. At 0/9 at three points after the break and 41% success, she was in front (32-29) thanks to her defensive intensity (26% success at OLB).
Cingala-Mata came close to a double-double (13 points, 9 rebounds), Leopold was efficient (15 points at 70%), Oguine decisive at the start and end of the match, Diot was decisive on his 7 passes before going out on injury… Dylan Affo Mama had an impact in defense, in short, “special mention to the team”, says Thomas Andrieux. In an intense match, the Choir only lost 8 balls, which had been a problem in the last two defeats. Also, despite the 19 offensive rebounds conceded, the OLB only scored 5 points on his second chances… Finally, if Moore had a festival, Gauthier knew how to harass him so that he finally missed at the end of the match…
In attack, Roanne could even do better…
This is just to nitpick, but if Roanne didn't score more than 80 points, it's mainly because the Choir missed around ten of its own. Like this two on one wasted, a few easy lay-ups or baskets. This actually shows that this consistent team has everything it needs to progress further.
