Poitiers, France – Le Poitiers Basket 86 delivered a stunning upset Friday night, defeating the league-leading Chorale de Roanne 98-88 in a thrilling contest at the Salle Jean-Pierre-Garnier. The victory, coming on the 28th day of the Élite 2 season, snapped Roanne’s impressive 12-game winning streak and injected new life into the Poitiers’ playoff aspirations.
Just three days removed from a heavy defeat at Vichy (88-55), Poitiers, coached by Andy Thornton-Jones, showcased a dramatically improved performance against the top team in the league. The game began as a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading baskets in the first quarter, ending with Roanne holding a narrow 24-27 lead. However, the Poitevins quickly found their rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring Roanne and establishing an eight-point advantage by halftime (50-42).
The third quarter saw a resurgence from Roanne, spearheaded by former Poitiers player Jahvon Blair. Blair, a Canadian guard, contributed 13 points in the period, helping Roanne regain the lead at 68-74. But Poitiers refused to yield. A crucial basket by Marcus Gomis leveled the score at 75-74, shifting the momentum back in favor of the home team as Roanne’s offense stalled.
With the crowd at Jean-Pierre-Garnier roaring its approval, Poitiers extended their lead, fueled by sharp shooting from Marcus Hammond. Hammond’s long-range accuracy pushed the score to 93-83 late in the fourth quarter. The final score of 98-81 reflected a well-deserved victory, significantly boosted by a dominant performance from Narcisse Ngoy, who finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and a remarkable efficiency rating of 35 in just over 26 minutes of play.
Ngoy’s performance was particularly impactful, providing a physical presence and consistent scoring that Roanne struggled to contain. His rebounding prowess limited Roanne’s second-chance opportunities and helped Poitiers control the boards throughout the game. The win is a testament to the team’s resilience and ability to bounce back from a difficult road loss.
For Roanne, the loss marks a rare setback in an otherwise dominant season. Their 12-game winning streak had established them as clear favorites in Élite 2, but this result demonstrates that they are not invulnerable. The team will need to regroup quickly and address the defensive lapses that allowed Poitiers to regain control of the game.
The atmosphere inside the Salle Jean-Pierre-Garnier was electric throughout the night, with fans playing a crucial role in lifting the Poitiers team. The energy in the arena clearly fueled the home side’s comeback and provided a significant advantage against a team accustomed to winning on the road.
Looking ahead, Poitiers will travel to Antibes on Friday, March 27, 2026, hoping to build on this impressive victory. The team will be aiming to replicate their performance against Roanne and secure another crucial win in their pursuit of a playoff berth. The game against Antibes presents a new challenge, but the confidence gained from defeating the league leaders will undoubtedly be a valuable asset.
This victory for Poitiers is more than just a single game result; it’s a statement. It demonstrates their potential to compete with the best teams in Élite 2 and signals their intent to make a serious push for the playoffs. For Roanne, it’s a wake-up call, reminding them that maintaining a championship level requires consistent effort and attention to detail.
The Élite 2 season is reaching a critical stage, with teams battling for playoff positioning. This game between Poitiers and Roanne was a prime example of the intensity and excitement that characterizes the league, and fans can expect more thrilling contests as the season progresses.
Next up for Poitiers is their road game against Antibes on March 27th, a match they’ll be eager to capitalize on following this momentous win. Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress and schedule through the official Poitiers Basket 86 channels.
