At the Arena Futuroscope this Friday evening, Pau-Lacq-Orthez confirmed its determination by beating Poitiers 78-80. This victory allows them to overtake their opponent of the day and climb to 7th place in the Pro B ranking, just before the final day of the regular season.
Unlike their last match in Alsace, the Béarnaise team showed in Poitiers that it was ready to fight to obtain its ticket for the playoffs. Leading almost throughout the match, despite a tense end to the game, the Élan was able to overtake its opponent.
For the Noa Basket show, Pau-Lacq-Orthez coach Eric Bartecheky answers questions from Freddy Vetault.
Freddy Vetault : The stakes were high for the Palois who absolutely had to win in Poitiers. How did you experience this end of the match?
It was quite stressful even though we dominated the whole game and they came back at the end thanks to the talent of their leader Luka Rupnik. We struggled to find solutions in attack against their different types of defense and they came back in front. We made a very successful shot thanks to Dylan Affo Mama who brought us back to equality.
Then we managed to stop their lead and Javon Masters scored a decisive 3-pointer. It was essential to win this great operation, but that does not guarantee us a place in the playoffs.
Even though we were on the outside, we managed to be engaged together from the start.
Eric BartechekyCoach of Pau-Lacq-Orthez
With 5 players with more than 10 points, is this also the symbol of this collective victory?
Even though we were on the outside, we managed to be engaged together from the start, which put us on the right track. And there, apart from the last quarter when we conceded 28 points, we remained present.
Throughout the season, we were not spared from injuries. And above all we have won 4 victories in the last 5 matches. This corresponds to the return of Gaylor Curier and the arrival of a new player, Admon Gilder. Even if he has played little, he is an experienced player who brings creativity. As a result, we have a group that is efficient and consistent.
Javon Masters, the point guard, is different than Kendall Anthony who is injured. He is a little bigger, he also scores, and all this allows us to find a team spirit with 8 or 9 players who are a little more mature and have a better knowledge of the championship.
One more victory and you play in the playoffs. But for that, we must beat the leader La Rochelle in the next match. How do you imagine this meeting?
Hosting La Rochelle, which dominated the Championship, is a challenge. As long as they are guaranteed to get second place, maybe there will be a little relaxation. Or on the contrary, on the eve of the playoffs, they will perhaps be keen to remobilize and win.
So, in addition to the quality of the opponent, the challenge will be even more difficult. But we have no choice, we must win this match to remain masters of our destiny and participate in the playoffs.
