Elan Béarnais Maintains Grip on Second Place with Eighth Straight Victory Over Aix-Maurienne
The momentum in Pau has become nearly impossible to stop. On Tuesday night, Elan Béarnais continued its dominant run in Elite 2, securing an 89-77 victory over Aix-Maurienne at the Palais des Sports. The win marks the eighth consecutive success for the Palois, further insulating their second-place position in the standings.
Entering the contest, the narrative centered on a significant void in the lineup. The team was forced to play without their star point guard, Thomas Cornely, who suffered a foot injury during a previous victory against Saint-Chamond. As the league leader in assists, Cornely’s absence threatened to disrupt the offensive rhythm of the Vert et Blanc. However, the squad relied on defensive grit and roster depth to neutralize a dangerous Savoyard attack.
Overcoming the Loss of Thomas Cornely
Filling the shoes of a playmaker like Cornely is no compact task, but the responsibility was split effectively between Drew Thelwell and Fabio Milanese. Thelwell, an American-Jamaican who stepped into the starting five, provided a spark with 16 points and 4 assists. Meanwhile, Milanese mirrored that production with 12 points and 12 assists, ensuring the ball continued to move efficiently.
The tactical shift was evident early. While the offense struggled slightly in the opening minutes, a disciplined defense—ranked third in the league—allowed Pau to seize control. This defensive identity has become the hallmark of coach Mickaël Hay’s strategy during this winning streak.
For global followers of French basketball, the Palais des Sports has essentially become a fortress. The venue has remained unbeaten since the start of the second half of the season, providing a home-court advantage that has fueled this eight-game surge.
Game Flow: Resilience Against the Savoyards
Aix-Maurienne did not surrender easily. Coming off a high-scoring victory against Orléans (107-105), the Savoyards brought a level of confidence that briefly threatened the lead. The young Demahis-Ballou hit several clinical shots to keep the game tight, while Corentin Falcoz—who recently set a season record with 35 points in the Loire—remained a constant threat.
At one point in the first quarter, Aix-Maurienne managed to take the lead, capitalizing on a few laboring offensive possessions from Pau. However, the tide turned when François Wibaut began to impact the game. The future American university student proved pivotal, contributing 14 points and 5 rebounds to swing the momentum back to the home side.
As the game progressed, the depth of the Elan Béarnais frontcourt overwhelmed the visitors. Sitraka Raharimanantoanina led all scorers with 18 points, while Josh Mballa anchored the paint with 12 points and 9 rebounds. By the final stretch, the Savoyards appeared resigned as Pau’s defensive pressure forced errors and stifled any hopes of a comeback.
Standings Implications and the Road Ahead
This victory does more than just extend a streak; it provides critical breathing room in the Elite 2 rankings. Elan Béarnais now holds a two-game lead over the third-place team, significantly securing their path toward the playoffs.
The team’s ability to win without their primary floor general suggests a maturity and versatility that will be essential as the postseason approaches. By distributing the scoring and playmaking duties, the Palois have proven they are not overly dependent on a single individual.
The pursuit of a ninth straight win begins this Friday. Elan Béarnais will travel to face Challans, the current bottom-ranked team in the league. While the matchup on paper favors Pau, the team remains focused on maintaining their “grand huit” (great eight) momentum and entering the final phase of the season as the most in-form team in the division.
Key Performance Statistics
| Player | Points | Rebounds/Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Sitraka Raharimanantoanina | 18 | – |
| Drew Thelwell | 16 | 4 Assists |
| François Wibaut | 14 | 5 Rebounds |
| Josh Mballa | 12 | 9 Rebounds |
| Fabio Milanese | 12 | 12 Assists |
For the latest updates on the Elite 2 standings and injury reports regarding Thomas Cornely, follow the official team communications. You can also find detailed match analysis via Sud Ouest.
Next Checkpoint: Elan Béarnais vs. Challans, Friday, April 11, 2026.
Do you think Elan Béarnais can maintain this streak without Cornely? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
