Poitiers Basket 86 will compete in the LNB Élite 2 playoffs despite falling to Elan Béarnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez 90-97 on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The result, played at the Salle Saint-Eloi in Poitiers, secures Elan Béarnais’ second-place finish in the regular season, according to reporting from La République des Pyrénées.
Despite a slow start, Pau-Lacq-Orthez dictated the pace of the game in Poitiers, ultimately securing the victory. The win was further solidified by Vichy’s defeat, guaranteeing Elan Béarnais the second seed. The atmosphere at Salle Saint-Eloi was described as playoff-like, with a packed and energized crowd witnessing the crucial matchup between two teams vying for promotion to the Elite division.
The game saw a strong performance from Bryce Nze of Pau-Lacq-Orthez, who contributed 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, returning to form after a recent period. The victory marks a significant achievement for Elan Béarnais, who have secured 14 wins in their last 16 games over the past three months.
For Poitiers, the loss comes despite their efforts to confirm their success from the first match-up against Pau-Lacq-Orthez (79-80) and solidify their playoff position. The team currently holds a record of 22 wins and 13 losses.
The first quarter saw Poitiers take an early lead, finishing with a score of 32-15. Seydou Ndiaye returned to the starting lineup for Pau-Lacq-Orthez after missing three games due to a knee injury.
Elan Béarnais currently holds a record of 25 wins and 11 losses in the LNB Elite 2 league, while Poitiers has 22 wins and 14 losses. The teams have a history dating back to 2012, with Poitiers winning 6 of 11 matchups and Pau-Lacq-Orthez winning 5. The highest scoring game between the two teams was in 2025, with a final score of 93-78 in favor of Pau-Lacq-Orthez.
This game was a key contest in the LNB Elite 2, with both teams positioned within the top four and aiming for promotion to the Elite division. The stakes were high for both sides, with Poitiers looking to secure their playoff spot and potentially climb the standings, while Pau-Lacq-Orthez aimed to maintain their hold on second place.
The result underscores the competitive nature of the LNB Elite 2 league and sets the stage for an exciting playoff run for both teams. Poitiers, despite the defeat, has demonstrated its resilience and ability to compete at a high level, earning its place among the league’s top contenders. Pau-Lacq-Orthez, with its strong recent form and secured second-place finish, enters the playoffs as a team to watch.
Looking ahead, both teams will now focus on preparing for the playoffs. The exact playoff schedule and matchups will be determined following the completion of the regular season. Fans can expect further updates and details regarding the playoff format and schedule from the LNB Elite 2 league in the coming days.
The next match for Poitiers is yet to be confirmed, but details will be released by the league. For Pau-Lacq-Orthez, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and preparing for their first playoff game. Fans can stay updated on team news and schedules through the official LNB Elite 2 website and team social media channels.
This match provided a thrilling preview of the intensity and competition that fans can expect during the playoffs. The battle between Poitiers and Pau-Lacq-Orthez showcased the talent and determination of both teams, solidifying their positions as key contenders in the LNB Elite 2 league.
