Betclic Élite: after four years of scarcity Nanterre, returns to the playoffs and “has nothing to lose”

This is one of the most anticipated duels. Perhaps also one of the most uncertain. Fifth in the regular season, after being close to fourth place, Nanterre inherited Bourg-en-Bresse (4th) during the quarter-finals of the Betclic Élite playoffs. An opponent, fighting for third place with Asvel, whose identity was only known at the end of the final day of the French Basketball Championship, last Saturday.

“Whether it’s one or the other it doesn’t change anything for us,” says Pascal Donnadieu. Even if Monaco is a little above, the first four teams in the ranking (in order Monaco, Paris, Asvel and Bourg) have dominated all season. There is this quartet and the others…”

For Nanterre and its emblematic coach – who is performing his last dance on the Nanterre bench before handing over to his assistant Philippe Da Silva – this qualification marks the end of a – short – journey through the desert. The club, long accustomed to the end-of-year roller coaster, had not participated in the final stages since 2019. They were then eliminated in the semi-final. In 2020, the playoffs could not be held due to the health situation.

“Keep the same playing philosophy”

“This marks an excellent season on our part, it’s already a first satisfaction,” appreciates Pascal Donnadieu. By finishing fifth, we don’t have home advantage but we have nothing to lose. We prepared well for this meeting. We will play our chances until the end, trying to keep the same playing philosophy.”

The Nanterrians will therefore begin this duel in Ain before hosting the Maurice-Thorez sports center for the return match on Saturday. In the event of a tie at the end of the first two acts, the two teams will meet again for a good fight on Monday in Bourg.

Comfortable on home soil this season (3 losses for 14 wins), Bourg will leave with the favor of the forecasts. Coached by Freddy Fauthoux and carried by the nugget Zaccharie Risacher (announced in the first places of the NBA draft in June), the club will aim for another final after reaching the Eurocup against Paris Basketball. Injured during the derby against the Metropolitans last Saturday, the experienced pivot Hamady Ndiaye (2.13 m) is very uncertain.

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