The Palois’ 7-point advantage at kick-off, a handicap linked to the division of the gap between the two rivals, quickly grew and took on an interesting dimension.
The Palois, focused on their defensive subject, put the debate where we expected it, in harshness. Between fast play and distant skill from Pinault and Sherrill, Elan, deprived of its best player Chris Ledlum (back blocked in Rouen) and Dalil Hadi (ankle), is propelled to 17-5 after 5 minutes of play. Limoges reacts with the inevitable Lang (5 pts) well supported by Bluiett whose eight points in a row put most of the pieces together (19-15, 9e). But at the end of the first quarter, the essential is preserved, Pau, despite a propensity to shoot too many 3 points (2 out of 10 in 10′), is still at +6 (21-15).
As the possessions progressed, the Limougeaude defense increased the pressure. For the Palois, nothing is easy anymore, the excitement of the interiors is real in the small area. Bluiett’s wrist still does not tremble (23-22, 13e). The threat is becoming clearer. The Elan clings to everything that is lying around to maintain the lead, but can do nothing against the recital of the Bluiett metronome which equalizes at 3 points (28-28, 18e). By regaining his senses and a consistent “five” to accompany the clock, the Béarnais, who committed only 5 faults in the first half, returned to the break in control (33-31). With 31% shooting success, there is room to do even better!
At the restart, the two teams compete in approximations. The score remained sterile until Sherill’s bomb after 2’30 of play (36-31, 23e). The CSP, silent 4’10, is happy to count on a Bluiett in the zone to prime the pump (36-34, 25e).
The false rhythm that has set in causes a victim: Bastien Pinault who leaves the floor running holding his left hand following a shock in the racket (38-36, 27e). Curier and Sherrill take their responsibilities to return to the sidelines of the kick-off (43-36, 29e).
Limoges reacted with coolness. The 8-0 signed Ansellem straddles the 3e et 4e quarter-time is synonymous with the visitors’ first score (45-46, 31e).
What could have been a serious blow to the morale of the Béarnais, on the contrary, makes them want to strip themselves even more. Raharimanantoanina works cleanly under the circle and puts Elan back in the lead (51-48, 34e). And if Lang equalizes at 3 points, Pinault, back, responds in the same register (57-51, 35e). It’s hot under the beams! And far from being over when Chassang and Bluiett overturned the table in 90 seconds (57-58, 38e). Lang hits the nail on the head with a trickster (57-60, 1’30 to play). Elan has not said its last word. Sitraka on the rebound then Sherrill from 8 meters, sends a strange thrill through the Palace (62-60, 40 sec.)! Following, in a huge bronca, Bluiett unscrews his two throws. Ditto for Sitraka 22 seconds from the end, but offensive rebound from Marsillon who offers the ball to Sherrill who does not tremble: 64-60, 18 seconds to go, the match will no longer change sides!
THE PLAYER
Transparent against Denain in the championship with 5 points (at 2/9) and 6 lost balls, Keshun Sherrill owed his team a revenge. He laid the first stone in the defeat of Rouen (7 out of 8 at 3 points), before confirming his skills this Tuesday evening. The pocket leader finished as Béarn’s top scorer with 18 points (5 out of 9 at three points) including the last 5 capitals scored with composure in the last minute: the three-point shot to regain control at 62-60, then the two pitches that put the lid on the game.
AT THE STATE
After getting closer to the CSP in the official count of the Clasicos during the two victories obtained in 2002-23 during the last year of the Palois in the Elite, Elan adds a stick in the “victories” column and returns to blow on the neck of the CSP. While waiting for the next reunion, which is difficult to schedule, Elan returns to 57-56 (+ a draw) in the number of Clasicos won. Another little effort and it equalizes for the 115th!
THE ATMOSPHERE
With a unique and reasonable price, the club had favored the popular aspect over the sole economic interest of such a poster. A good idea.
For this weekday Clasico, under the eyes of Presi Pierre Seillant, Paul Henderson, Freddy Hufnagel and Mathieu Bisseni, four men who in their illustrious time combined the Clasico with all modes and all times, a little over 4000 supporters passed through the doors of the Palace. Biggest crowd of the season.
With a full first ring, the visual impression was much nicer than when the same supporters are scattered from the first to the last row. Everything finally came together so that the evening, set by Peones at a good temperature, well supported by a band and DJ Maza, was electric and festive. With a match that was always held within two possessions most of the time, the public vibrated, trembled then exulted on their feet in a stunning final minute. The players’ well-deserved lap of honor was a moment of intense communion and celebration.
THE FOLLOWING
In this month of October with seven matches, little respite for the Palois. They will be in uniform again this Friday evening, still at the Palais des sports, for the reception of the Saint-Chamond – Andrézieux agreement. After two consecutive defeats in the league, Elan has left the top three and must absolutely react to a SCABB which will tumble into Béarn buoyed by the confidence of an ongoing series of three victories. A confidence which has returned to the Pau camp thanks to the scalp of the CSP.
