Since qualifying for the final of the Coupe de France, Elan Béarnais has been euphoric. Pau dominated Dijon outside this Saturday afternoon (85-89).
The Elan Béarnais is in good shape. This Saturday afternoon, Eric Bartecheky’s team won its seventh consecutive success, cup and French championship combined, on the floor of the JDA Dijon, a direct competitor for the top 8.
The tone was set from the first half (+17 at the start of the second quarter), even if Dijon had returned to -2 at the break (42-44). If the Burgundians even took control of the attack in the final sprint (68-65, 32nd), Pau again showed solidity by relying in particular on Brandon Jefferson, author of 28 points at 8/12 on shots (including 6/8 from 3-pointers), 4 rebounds and 3 assists for 28 evaluation, but also Gregor Hrovat (18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists), just as valuable in money time (85-89).
“It’s really nice to see a team like that on the field with this state of mind, this fighting spirit, these efforts, this mutual aid. We knew it wouldn’t be easy here. We had a solid second half, we would have liked to make fewer mistakes in the second quarter but we know it’s difficult when you take a big lead quickly. We showed strong mental resources, even though it was our 4th match in a week. We are proud of the team, ”confided Pau coach Eric Bartecheky at a press conference, in remarks reported by Le Bien Public.
Morale is high for Pau (4th, 16-9), who are coming back very close to ASVEL (3rd, 16-8) and getting ahead of their competitors for the top 4. Especially since a new prestigious meeting is coming: the 111th clasico against Limoges next Sunday at the Palais des Sports.
Boxscore Dijon – Pau / Betclic Elite Ranking
Photo: Brandon Jefferson (Bellenger / FFBB)
