Facing an Evreux team which produced a breathtaking match, Orléans Loiret Basket saw its series end this Tuesday, December 3, 2024, crucified by American leader EJ Day at the last second (87-89). The OLB, which remained on seven victories in a row, lost for the first time of the season at CO’Met and even lost its first place to Boulazac, winner at the same time of its late match at Saint -Chamond.
Orléans not in the right tempo
Against an Evreux team armed with only eight pros (Da Silva and Angloma injured), the OLB, in the footsteps of a decisive Babacar Niasse, made a good start (15-9, 4th). This unfortunately turned out to be a sham. On the other hand, when it was necessary to defend on the American moped EJ Day, the OLB was also hesitant in attack and concluded the first ten minutes in a bad position (19-27, 10th).
Without an external address against the defense in the Evreux zone, the Orléanais, despite a close approach (32-35, 17th), could not manage to win the match. In an already sluggish game, the refereeing trio also missed out and, from compensation to compensation, maintained the confusion. Thanks to a Babacar Niasse at the party, the OLB had limited the damage at the break (39-44, 40th).
Heroic EJ Day
Like the start of the match, the OLB came back after the break performing well with Moore and Gabric, his strong men, who found some color (50-49, 24th). But the Orléans players, very clumsy, took on a new brilliance against Paul Rigot, in sniper mode, and his teammates (62-71, 30th).
Aggressive, finally, like a rebellious Rudy Demahis-Ballou, the OLB, in a CO’Met which was pushing, finally cracked the Ebroician zone defense. Returning very quickly to contact (72-71, 33rd), the Orléanais were however unable to get rid of the visitors, authors of a major match in the Loiret. EJ Day and Paul Rigot kept the threat intact from minute to minute (84-84, 38th). Day responded again to Niasse (87-87, 29 seconds from time). EJ Day, heroic to the end, crucified the OLB at the last second (87-89).
Jérôme Couton-Coudray
