In the match of fear against La Rochelle, ESSM Le Portel found its way to success at home (83-62). The Stellistes were able to count on the efficiency of the duo Ivan Février – Jack Nunge to make the difference.
The Nunge doublet – February perfectly relaunches Le Portel
With a series of three consecutive defeats, a mixed start to the season and a slap received on the European scene on Wednesday which had angered president Yann Rivoal and coach Éric Girard, ESSM Le Portel had to react in front of its public. This Friday evening against La Rochelle, the Stellistes found their smile again. From the outset, the locals took advantage of the opponent's lack of skill to open up a significant first gap in these first minutes (14-6, 3'). Guided by a duo Ivan FEBRUARY (17 points on 7/11 shots and 5 rebounds) – Jack Nung (17 points on 6/7 shots and 6 rebounds) very efficient, Éric Girard's men finished this first quarter strong to take control (23-16, 10'). Despite a bad start to the match and numerous ball losses (9 in twenty minutes), the Rochelais were able to take advantage of the good passage of Jubrile Belo (9 points) to stay in touch with the locals. Despite this slight reaction, the Northerners stepped up the pace at the best of times to regain an 11-length lead just before half-time (44-33, 20').
After returning from the locker room, ESSM Le Portel resumed its march forward. The February – Nunge pair continued to hurt the La Rochelle defense very badly. Although manhandled, the Rochelais gradually closed the gap, forcing Éric Girard to stop the game to remobilize his troops (58-45, 27'). Combative, the Maritimes did not manage to turn the situation around to their advantage and literally collapsed in the last ten minutes. With this great success with a score of 83 to 62, Le Portel restarts at home and leaves La Rochelle and Élan Chalon alone at the bottom of the Betclic ELITE.
