Having already written two good performances earlier in the competition (against Limoges and Strasbourg in the 32nd and 16th finals), Palois knows that the three passes are a success, despite their seven point lead. The absence of Hadi, Ledlum, Curier and Ndiaye added to the impossibility factors. “The razor’s edge”, this “small road to victory” that remained on the eve of the deadline, according to Palois coach Mickaël Hay, is gradually broken.
The men of Tiago Splitter, the first Brazilian NBA champion (with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014), recovered their deficit in less than three minutes, mainly because of three three-point baskets from Jantunen. Only the Pau captain of the night, Bastien Pinault, who was on fire against Boulazac after Christmas in this exercise, responded. To stop this first bleeding, the Béarnaise defense worked, like its most recent representative, Chris Ledlum’s medical joker, Christian Eyenga, author of a serious opponent of perforating Malcolm. It was enough to limit the cost of the first quarter (35-32).
Crowds on big nights at the Palace.
Quentin Top
Paris was furious
Determined not to ignore the Cup, unlike last season, and also to assure itself, after its failures in the EuroLeague, Paris stepped on the accelerator in the second round. A free throw from his leader Shorts allowed him to take the lead for the first time in the game, in the fourth minute, while his racket gradually showed its power under the basket. The advance of Paris never stopped despite Pau’s strength.
If in the previous rounds, Elan had no reason to hide an inferiority complex, this time he felt what kept him from being a serious resident of the higher level. The gap of 23 points before leaving for the last quarter symbolizes the difference in skill and strength (without doubt) between the two teams.
Despite the rising power of the flamboyant Nadir Hifi and the unstoppable outcome of the match, Palois continued to work as the minutes ticked by. The opportunity is also, and for example, for the young Garlinois Teddy Riskwait, to get playing time The defeat, although little in the end (29 point difference) is not an end. The Palais des sports understands this very well. He happily praises his players and his former players Enzo Shahvrin and Léo Cavalière, where the adventure continues.
Elan, for its part, left a little unexpected cloud in the Coupe de France and should quickly move to the priority of the week: the conclusion of the first leg of the Pro B, Friday January 10 in Savoie, against Aix-Maurienne .