Elric Delord warned: All matches are difficult. In fact, Elan had to work hard to beat La Rochelle, in a slightly strange match…
When you score 65 points and win by 3 points, there are inevitably questions to ask yourself. But already it is not appropriate to be choosy any more than that.
Because if the winds had been favorable to them, the Maritimes could have won and/or snatched an extension.
This match was one of contrasts and paradoxes. With three quarters won by La Rochelle, presenting a resistance that does them credit, already seen at home against ASVEL.
Contrasts and paradoxes, with only 41% success, but 89% for Gaudoux, including 100% in the racket. Gaudoux MVP with 9 rebounds including 3 offensive ones which weighed heavily, like that of 63-58. This in money Time marked by two lost balls on the Elan side. Including one at 64-62 which could have hurt a lot.
18 lost balls for Elan against 14 for La Rochelle… And almost equal for interceptions: 9 against 10, including 4 precious ones for Stockton who weighed when necessary, like Hill, like Gaudoux and like Sakic. The latter with a performance of +16 when he was on the floor, ahead of Stockton at 12 and Gaudoux at 10. But -12 for Choupas and -10 for Ristic.
Contrasts and paradoxes including for an Elan who had started well to lead 8-4 and who then conceded a 10-0 to chase the score too often finding themselves trailing 15-21. To come back in front to lead 31-26 at halftime.
And if Elan then retained the advantage most often, it was stunted in the money-time before an end to the match that was mind-blowing to say the least.
A ball lost by Elan 42 seconds from the end at 64-62, then recovered at 13 seconds without the Rochelais looking for a fault, except for a final shot from Hill at 4 seconds. Hill one foot on the line with basket denied, but 1 point on the line behind. This after watching the video.
Elan Chalon won a match that it could very well have lost. Like Nanterre lost to Monaco (73-81) after leading 38 minutes… Like Nancy who lost to Cholet (71-78)… The Chalonnais are now tied for 10th with Nanterre and Gravelines.
Alain BOLLERY
(Photos Manon BOLLERY
and Alain BOLLERY)
Elan Chalon beats La Rochelle 65-62 (13-15; 18-11; 19-20; 15-16)
Élan Chalon : Gaudoux 18, Hill 13, Stockton 11, Sakic 9, Choupas 7, Cuthbertson 5, Ristic 2.
La Rochelle : Belo 15, Saibou 14, Leray 9, Niziol 8, Hawkins 7, Moore 4, Sanchez 3, Hergott 2.
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