The match between Nanterre and Hapoel Holon, Wednesday evening in the BCL, was marked by extra-sporting tensions. An intrusion onto the floor by an activist brandishing a Palestinian flag, followed by clashes with Israeli supporters, led to an interruption of several minutes.
Since the events of October 7, 2023 in Israel, meetings involving Israeli clubs in France have been placed under close surveillance. This was the case on Wednesday, with a reinforced police force around the Palais des Sports Maurice-Thorez. An initial municipal decree providing for a closed session had been canceled the day before by a summary judge, referred to by the prefect of Hauts-de-Seine, allowing the public to attend the meeting.
On an amateur video, we see Israeli supporters leaving their stands to approach the activist, who was quickly neutralized by security. The police then intervened to restore order.
Nanterre will challenge Ostend with home advantage
Despite this context, Nanterre won an important victory (87-77) and reached the play-offs of the FIBA competition. All while having delivered a solid performance with 40 rebounds (including 13 offensive), 24 assists, and 10 successful 3-point shots (out of 25 attempts). Paul Lacombe, omnipresent, particularly stood out with 10 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 interceptions and 1 block.
Having gotten off to a bad start after losing the two matches in its group against Igokea, Nanterre still climbed into the BCL play-in, with home advantage to boot. The Ile-de-France residents will challenge the Belgians from Ostend.
Boxscore Nanterre – Hapoel Holon
Outclassed by Karsiyaka, Saint-Quentin will face Galatasaray in the play-in
Later in the evening, Saint-Quentin fell to Pierre-Ratte against Karsiyaka (67-93). Despite a 5-point lead at the break (42-37) and another 11 points ahead at the heart of the 3rd quarter (51-40, 25th), the SQBB sank at the end of the match, finishing with a horrible 53-16 in last 15 minutes to forget.
Despite everything, a setback with no impact since Julien Mahé’s team was already qualified for the play-in, where a duel against another Turkish team, Galatasaray, awaits.
Teams qualified for the Top 16 :
AEK Betsson BC (GRE), BAXI Manresa (ESP), ERA Nymburk (CZE), FIT/One Wurzburg Baskets (GER), La Laguna Tenerife (ESP), Rytas Vilnius (LTU), UCAM Murcia (ESP) and Unicaja Malaga ( ESP).
The play-in posters:
– Nanterre 92 (FRA) – Filou Oostende (BEL)
– Petkimsport (TOUR) – Hapoel Hollon (ISR)
– Pinar Karsiyaka (TUR) – Promitheas Patras (GRE)
– Galatasaray (TUR) – Saint-Quentin (FRA)
– Telekom Baskets Bonn (GER) – Pallacanestro Reggiana (ITA)
– Falco-Volcano Szombathely (HUN) – Maccabi Ramat-Gan (ISR)
– Bertram Derthona (ITA) – Peristeri (GRE)
– Manisa (TUR) – Niners Chemnitz (GER)
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