The long-awaited clash between Le Mans and La Rochelle will take place this Saturday. Two teams with high ambitions for a match which could already weigh heavily in the race for the playoffs. Who will win in this duel at the top?
The 13th day of Betclic Elite has a clash of the titans in store for us this Saturday, December 21, 2024. Le Mans, determined to play the leading roles this season, hosts La Rochelle, one of the great surprises of the championship. An intense duel in perspective for a match which could weigh heavily in the race for the playoffs.
Le Mans – La Rochelle: The essential poster of the weekend
Le Mans started the season flat-out, determined to erase last year's disappointment. Led by Killian Hayes in great form, the MSB is currently in 4th place, with 8 victories for only 4 defeats. A solid record that the Manceaux will want to build on against a tough opponent.
Because La Rochelle does not arrive as an expiatory victim. Promoted this season to Betclic Elite, the Charente club has made a thunderous debut. 6th with 7 victories, François Sence's men clearly have the playoffs in their sights. Their fast and spectacular game, led by the phenomenal Chris Horton, wreaks havoc. A hell of a test ahead for the defense of the MSB!
The forces present
On the Manceau side, it is a well-oiled collective that will be aligned. In addition to the inevitable Killian Hayes, Scott Bamforth and TaShawn Thomas bring their experience and knowledge of the game. The promising Hugo Benitez, new darling of Antares, will try to distinguish himself in front of the public. A group built to play at the top of the table.
In the La Rochelle camp, Chris Horton will obviously be eagerly awaited. The American interior, a real poison for its adversaries, will be the number one danger. He will be able to count on the support of the experienced Arnauld Thinon and the enthusiasm of the young Lucas Bourhis. Enough to give the Manceaux a cold sweat.
We know it's going to be a big fight. Le Mans is cut out for the Top 4. But we come without pressure, with the desire to create a surprise. We have the weapons to compete.
François Sence, coach of La Rochelle
The challenges of the meeting
More than just a match, this Le Mans – La Rochelle could already have a heavy impact on the season. For the locals, the objective is clear: consolidate their place in the Top 4 and ideally launch a series of important matches. A victory against a direct competitor would send a strong message to the competition.
As for the visitors, this trip has all the makings of a life-size test. After a great start to the season, it's a question of confirming against a “big one”. A top performance from a top player would permanently establish the Yellow and Black in the first part of the table. Ideal with a view to the playoffs!
A match that promises
Beyond the accounting issues, this poster is enticing in terms of the game. Between the fast and spectacular basketball of La Rochelle and the more structured game of Le Mans, the spectacle should be there. Enough to delight fans of the orange ball, who should fill the Antarès stands in large numbers.
According to a source close to the Le Mans club, the objective is clear: “We have to win to launch our series. We are preparing this match as a real test, La Rochelle is the revelation of the season. It's up to us to raise our level to win and stay at the top of the rankings. »
Answer this Saturday, December 21 at 8:30 p.m. One thing is certain, the battle should rage on the floor. Le Mans to consolidate its status, La Rochelle to create the feat: all the ingredients are there for a thrilling evening in Betclic Elite. May the best win!
As for the visitors, this trip has all the makings of a life-size test. After a great start to the season, it's a question of confirming against a “big one”. A top performance from a top player would permanently establish the Yellow and Black in the first part of the table. Ideal with a view to the playoffs!
A match that promises
Beyond the accounting issues, this poster is enticing in terms of the game. Between the fast and spectacular basketball of La Rochelle and the more structured game of Le Mans, the spectacle should be there. Enough to delight fans of the orange ball, who should fill the Antarès stands in large numbers.
According to a source close to the Le Mans club, the objective is clear: “We have to win to launch our series. We are preparing this match as a real test, La Rochelle is the revelation of the season. It's up to us to raise our level to win and stay at the top of the rankings. »
Answer this Saturday, December 21 at 8:30 p.m. One thing is certain, the battle should rage on the floor. Le Mans to consolidate its status, La Rochelle to create the feat: all the ingredients are there for a thrilling evening in Betclic Elite. May the best win!
