Elan Bears Upsets Championship Leader, Secures Playoff Spot

Challenge Accepted

Elan Bears faced a monumental task: beat the championship leader and snap their seven-game winning streak to secure a direct playoff spot in the top six. This was a necessity for the “big” winners this Friday, and they did it in style, despite being without Bastien Pinault due to paternity leave.

The Game

In a packed house, Elan Bears started strong, riding the momentum of Walter Whyte’s hot hand. He drained two threes in the first three minutes, setting the tone for the game. The hosts maintained their intensity, led by Chris Ledlum, and led 16-11 after six minutes.

However, Elan Bears squandered opportunities to extend their lead, committing turnovers and struggling with questionable officiating. Blois capitalized on these mistakes and tied the game at 23-23 with under eight minutes left in the half.

The game see-sawed until the final seconds of the half, with Elan Bears leading 41-39 at the break.

Second Half Surge

The game didn’t let up in the second half. Elan Bears went on a 17-0 run in just five minutes, stretching their lead to 19 points. Blois fought back, led by David Morabito’s inspired coaching, but Elan Bears held on for a thrilling 81-77 victory.

Chris Ledlum: MVP

The palace erupted as Chris Ledlum was awarded “MVP, MVP!” His outstanding performance included 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists, earning him a perfect 40 evaluation, his best of the season.

Looking Ahead

With one game left in the season, Elan Bears will travel to Antibes for a “final” that could decide their playoff fate. The top six teams qualify for the quarter-finals, and Elan Bears’ win has made that race even more intriguing.

Final Thoughts

This was a triumphant night for Elan Bears. They rose to the challenge, beat the championship leader, and secured their playoff spot. With one game left, they’ll be gunning for more, ensuring their place in the conversation for the ultimate prize.