Cholet Basket secured a victory against SLUC Nancy on the road. Fabrice Lefrançois’s squad established early control behind a 10-point first-quarter burst from American guard Jarrod West, overcoming a winless Nancy side that played without the injured Michael Weathers.
Both clubs entered the fixture searching for a momentum shift after dropping their respective league openers against Paris and ASVEL. The visiting unit capitalized on physical defense and dominance on the glass before pivoting to European competition next week, while the Lorraine hosts dropped to 0-1 ahead of their upcoming FIBA Europe Cup fixture against Vienna.
Jarrod West and Rebounding Dominance Drive Early Lead
Cholet imposed its physical presence from the opening tip, punishing Nancy’s perimeter defense with aggressive outside shooting. Jarrod West set the tone immediately by scoring all 10 of his first-quarter points during the opening frame, including two deep three-pointers. Alongside West’s early surge, the visitors controlled the paint by securing 24 rebounds to Nancy’s 12 by halftime. That rebounding advantage stretched to 44-34 over the full 40 minutes, featuring 16 offensive boards that generated vital second-chance opportunities and propelled Cholet to a 40-49 halftime lead.
Progress in Key Metrics Before European Competition
Beyond the final score, the victory offered Cholet tangible improvements in discipline and execution compared to their season-opening loss against Villeurbanne. Lefrançois’s team converted 80 percent of its free throws, up from 75 percent in the previous outing, while adding four blocked shots and committing only 22 fouls. Mohamed Diarra anchored the frontcourt with 10 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks, earning a 19 efficiency rating. Captain Miralem Halilovic added 11 points and six rebounds, while Digué Diawara chipped in seven points as the visitors built a lead as large as 21 points before managing the closing minutes.
Nancy Struggles With Foul Trouble and Perimeter Shooting
SLUC Nancy labored to contain Cholet’s interior impact while playing without Michael Weathers, who sustained a ankle injury against Paris. Kévin Marsillon-Noléo battled foul trouble for the second week after his standout opening-night performance. The interior player accumulated four fouls by the third quarter and fouled out in the final period, limiting his effectiveness. Despite shooting just 25 percent from beyond the arc, Stéphane Gombauld and Mohammad Amini each scored 13 points to spark a late rally that cut Cholet’s lead to seven points in the final minute before the visitors secured the outcome.
Upcoming European Fixtures
Both teams return to the floor for international play on Tuesday, October 6. Cholet Basket travels to begin its Basketball Champions League group stage against Israeli club Hapoël Holon. SLUC Nancy remains at home at Gentilly to host Austrian side BC Vienne in the FIBA Europe Cup.
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