Élan Béarnais Extends Winning Streak to Nine With Dominant Victory Over Vendée Challans

The Élan Béarnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez continued their relentless march through the LNB Elite 2 season on Friday, April 10, 2026, securing a convincing 97-67 win over Vendée Challans Basket. The victory marks the ninth consecutive win for the Pau-based squad, further solidifying their position as the second-ranked team in the league.

Despite a sluggish start that saw them trailing early in the contest, the Béarnais showcased the depth and resilience that have defined their current run of form. For Vendée Challans, the match served as a bittersweet milestone, as the club celebrated its 90th anniversary while grappling with the reality of already being relegated from the division.

A Sluggish Start and a Surprising Opening

For the first quarter, it appeared as though the gap in the standings might not dictate the flow of the game. Élan Béarnais entered the match without Thomas Cornely, and the absence was felt during the opening minutes. The starting point guard struggled to find a rhythm, managing only seven points during a period characterized by poor execution.

Vendée Challans, playing with the freedom of a team already relegated, capitalized on Pau’s hesitation. Led by Paul Billong, who scored 10 points early on, Challans pushed the tempo and caught the visitors off guard. At one point, the score stood at 17-10 in favor of the home side.

By the conclude of the first quarter, Challans held a surprising 26-17 lead. While they looked sovereign in their movement and aggression, they struggled from the charity stripe, converting only five of their 11 free-throw attempts—missed opportunities that would eventually prove costly as the game progressed.

The Turning Point: Depth and Discipline

The momentum shifted as Pau began to leverage its superior resources. While Drew Thelwell provided consistent scoring to keep the team within reach, the entry of Sitraka and Joshua Mballa provided the physical presence needed to neutralize Challans’ interior game.

As the match wore on, the disparity in endurance and tactical discipline became evident. The “liberated” style of play adopted by Challans—a result of their relegation status—initially provided a spark, but they lacked the stamina to compete with Pau over four quarters. Élan Béarnais systematically dismantled the Challans defense, turning a deficit into a comfortable lead.

Coach Mickaël Hay had noted prior to the game that he sensed a “slight loss of focus” in his players’ daily routines and during matches. But, that mental lapse was short-lived on Friday night, as his squad regained their composure to execute a professional victory.

Numbers That Define the Run

The 97-67 final score is a reflection of a broader trend for Élan Béarnais. The team has developed the most potent dynamic of the season, maintaining a nearly flawless record during the “phase retour” (the second half of the season), with only a single defeat to their name.

This victory brings their current winning streak to nine games, a run that has propelled them to the second spot in the Elite 2 standings. The ability to recover from a nine-point first-quarter deficit underscores a level of maturity and confidence that makes them a formidable contender as the season progresses.

The Human Element: 90 Years of Challans

Beyond the box score, the evening was a celebration of history for Vendée Challans Basket. The club marked its 90th anniversary by wearing jerseys in their original yellow and blue colors. For the fans and players, the game was less about the standings and more about honoring the longevity of the institution.

While the result was a predictable one given the current state of the league, the early competitiveness of the home side provided a momentary highlight for a season otherwise defined by struggle. As the bottom team in the league, Challans’ effort in the first quarter served as a reminder of the club’s spirit, even in the face of relegation.

For those unfamiliar with the LNB Elite 2 structure, relegation often means a drop to a lower professional or semi-professional tier, making these final games an opportunity for clubs to play without the pressure of survival, often leading to the “liberated” playstyle observed in Challans tonight.

What So for the Standings

With this win, Élan Béarnais remains firmly entrenched in second place. Their consistency has turned the Elite 2 campaign into a mission of confirmation, proving they can handle the “routine business” of the league regardless of the venue or the early game script.

The victory ensures that Pau maintains its momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. Having navigated a dense April schedule with three victories in just a few days, the team’s physical conditioning and depth have become their greatest assets.

The next confirmed checkpoint for Élan Béarnais will be their upcoming league fixture as they look to extend their streak to double digits and challenge for the top spot in the standings.

Do you feel Élan Béarnais has the momentum to finish the season undefeated in the second half? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.