Saturday evening, Limoges CSP enjoyed a significant success against Saint-Quentin Basketball, at the end of a high-tension meeting between two teams involved in the fight for survival. After the match, Limouge captain Nicolas Lang and his coach Dario Gjergja analyzed this victory, which was as precious as it was laborious.
Nicolas Lang, the experience to keep the lead in the match
For Nicolas Lang, the main thing is there: the result. Without minimizing adversity, the captain of the CSP insisted in Aisne Nouvelle on the ability of his team to remain solid despite opposing highlights.
“It’s a victory. Even if it’s not Saint-Quentin with last year’s ranking, which plays the BCL… it’s still a team with quality and then we come to play, a bit like we come to play against Limoges, you play against a room too, an audience which pushes. I really liked that in their good times we managed to stay solid and not get scattered and make the right basket or make the right stop. »
A speech which illustrates the CSP’s desire to better manage key sequences, a point often lacking this season.
Managing opposing runs, a real step forward
The fourth quarter was marked by several important SQBB baskets, notably those from Nick Johnson and Giovan Oniangue. Situations that Limoges was able to handle without panicking.
“In the fourth, Johnson makes a three-pointer and then Giovan puts one back. We know that Giovan is someone who thrives on that, big shots, especially at home. Last year it was him who gave us a shot with the board, but I think we managed to stay together, we continued to talk to each other even in those moments. »
The Limoges CSP captain especially highlights the mental evolution of his group, which marks its second victory in 2026:
“I know that we sometimes have the habit of spreading ourselves thin and when there is a big run to think that we are far behind when we are only at +2, +1 or tied. This is what we managed to do. Having a speech to say we are in the match and we finished well. »
Better controlled money-time
In an unbreathable end to the match, Limoges was able to make the difference at the right time, taking several possessions in advance.
“When you go over 5, even 7 points, 3 possessions, there’s 1 minute 40 left, you know they’re going to have to play fast. (…) You know very well that with the atmosphere things can turn quickly. It’s there, but in the end it’s the kind of match that can go either way. »
Valuable lucidity in a context where every detail counts.
Dario Gjergja: between satisfaction and areas of work
For his part, Dario Gjergja praised the state of mind of his players, while pointing out the shortcomings to be corrected. “We could have been better before the last 5-6 minutes, we were constantly leading the score, but they didn’t give up. »
The Limougeaud technician particularly insisted on the ball losses in the first period. “In the first half we lost too many balls, 11. Of these 11, seven gave rise to counter-attacks. It’s hard to play, even more so outside. »
Despite everything, Gjergja retains the positive. “I’m happy for the guys because I constantly tell them that they are better than what they show sometimes. Now we have to rest, and go back to training and working. »
A pivotal calendar for the CSP
With Cholet then Dijon to come, two teams also in search of consistency, the Limoges CSP will have a series of decisive meetings. Can this victory against the SQBB serve as a trigger to redress the situation in the long term? Response in the coming weeks, where Limoges will have to confirm this newfound solidity, particularly in key moments.
