N1M. Les Sables – Cep Lorient: 90-75.
The two teams had already faced each other twice in the preparation phase, in September, with each an away victory. Saturday evening, the opposition did not count for butter, as part of the second day of the championship. In a completely different atmosphere, Lorient had to admit defeat at Beauséjour, without confirming an inaugural victory in the derby against Rennes on Tuesday.
The Cépistes jostled the Vendeans from the start, but the American Trapp caught up with him alone (8-13, 3 ‘). Lessort took over to give the advantage to LSVB (17-15), which continued its momentum, at its convenience (24-17, 7 ‘), in a rhythmic first quarter.
Lorient regained control thanks to the returning Ibrahim Djambo (31-33, 13′), then the wide in two stages (31-41, 15′), against Sablais not advancing much. Without giving up, and thus responding under the impetus of a burning Lessort (49-47, 19 ‘). Suddenly, in front of a display board that was going crazy!
Second half better controlled by the Vendeans
On returning from the locker room, the Sablais, still without the giant Nigerian pivot Chukwu, kept up the pressure (57-52, 25′; 62-55, 30′). And the Morbihannais received a burst (69-57, 32 ‘). But without losing the thread, in a fiery room, and a thick tension like a four-quarter (73-69), with Hanck maneuvering (5/8 at three points).
A constant battle, when patience also did its work in favor of the LSVB (85-75, 39 ‘). The thing was understood. The hourglass was completing its cycle. Head down, the Cépistes will continue their work next Saturday in Tarbes (warning, new client!).
Datasheet
The quarters: 29-23, 23-24, 10-10, 28-18
THE SANDS. Cham 4, Niktash 7, Racine 11, Lessort (cap.) 21, Plasse 9, Dohou 18, Trapp 20, Bravin, Badiane, Bourgade. Entr. : Mr. Dioumassi.
LORIEN. Doumbia 10, Adala-Moto 8, Saounera (cap.) 11, Sy 8, Suhard 3, Mondésir 6, Djambo 4, Losser 4, Robert 6, Hanck 15. Entr. : P. Maucourant.
