The weekends follow one another and are the same for La Rochelle, never far away but never victorious at home. Six days after a defeat against BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque in Gaston-Neveur, the Charentais once again stood up to Strasbourg but ended up cracking at the very end of the match (71-78).
Jeff Roberson, the incredible first half
From the start of the game, the Rochelais showed a conquering face. Obliged to achieve a result in front of its audience to continue to exist in Betclic ELITE this season, Stade Rochelais was able to count on the formidable efficiency of the pair Jakub Niziol (14 points at 5/7 on shots) – Jubrile Belo (10 points on 3/4 shots and 6 rebounds) to take control in a tight first quarter (20-17). Although jostled at the start of the game, Laurent Vila's team took off during the second quarter. In the wake of an incredible Jeff Robersonauthor of 23 points in the first period alone while he had been very disappointing so far this season, the Alsatians returned to the locker room with a 7-point lead (36-43).
La Rochelle still ahead at 1'20
Like the play produced in the second quarter, Laurent Vila's men returned to the floor with the firm intention of regaining their distance. But their good intentions suddenly came to naught. From +13, the Strasbourg side suddenly found themselves behind, unable to contain Niziol and the Charente passing game. It took a big Vital Chiko (11 points on 5/7 shots, 4 rebounds and 5 assists), who avoided going out for five fouls, in order to preserve the essentials for the SIG, still leading 80 seconds from the final buzzer (69-68) . A victory not particularly convincing but crucial in the race for the Leaders Cup, while La Rochelle does not take off in last place, still fanny at home.
