For several matches, Élan Béarnais has been blowing hot and cold. Often close to winning, Mickaël Hay's team wanted to finish the year 2024 in style. In front of a very well-stocked sports hall, the EBPLO brought down the championship leader Boulazac (89-87), who remained on 7 victories in a row.
Boulazac in the lead at the break thanks to an insolent 3-point address
Before the meeting on Friday, December 27, Bastien Pinault (1.95 m, 31 years old) had warned. Coming to seek responsibilities, the Pau winger took his own by delivering a real offensive recital. Author of 21 points on 6/13 shots (including 18 in one half), he allowed his team to stay in touch.
Despite a catastrophic start to the match (3-11, 3′), Élan Béarnais gradually chipped away at their deficit and clearly broke away in this first quarter (26-17, 10′). Better in this second quarter, the Périgourdins came back level with the premises (41-41, 19′), relying on a very good long distance skill (9/14 at 3-points, 18/34 in total ). Boulazac took advantage of the opponent's defensive generosity to get back in front just before half-time and take a small point lead (43-44, 20').
Pau brings down the leader, no roller coaster for the BBD
Upon returning from the locker room, the indecent success behind the arc did not falter for Boulazac Basket Dordogne. In the wake of the doublet Angelo Warner (10 points at 4/7 on shots) – Ousman Krubally (13 points on 5/8 shots and 8 rebounds), Alexandre Ménard's men maintained a slight advantage in this third quarter. Jostled and still trailing by one point ten minutes from the end (66-67, 30′), the locals never gave up. Thanks to a 7-3 inflicted from the start and under the leadership of the captain Gaylor Courier (16 points), Micah Speight (15 points) and Walter Whyte (18 points), Mickaël Hay's men regained the advantage (73-70, 33').
In an unbreathable end to the match, Élan Béarnais caused a sensation in front of their home crowd. Still ahead with 27 seconds remaining, the Palois were able to resist the opposing comeback to achieve a precious success (89-87). Ousman Krubally, however, had the opportunity to equalize on the last possession, in vain since the Périgord interior was blocked by Sitraka Raharimanantoanina. By beating the leader of Pro B at home, who remained on 7 consecutive victories, Pau finished on a much better note (12th, with 9 victories for 9 defeats). A defeat which will not prevent Boulazac from competing in the Leaders Cup Pro B and retaining his leadership position.
