SIG Strasbourg secured an 87-75 victory over Boulazac at the Rhénus on October 3, 2026, earning their first win of the new basketball season behind 17 points from 19-year-old guard Maxence Lemoine.
The game faced an unusual delay before tip-off due to train disruptions that detained the head referee, pushing the start time past the initial 6:00 p.m. schedule. Both teams entered the matchup searching for their opening victory of the campaign.
Early Boulazac Push Tests Strasbourg Roster
Strasbourg played its first home game with a reshaped frontcourt following the liberation of Jake Forrester. Boulazac immediately exploited the adjustment, applying intense defensive pressure under the guidance of Aaron Estrada and Essome Miyem. Estrada finished with 19 points, while Miyem contributed 12 points and nine rebounds.
A dominant 15-2 run by the visitors closed out the opening quarter, putting Boulazac ahead 21-14 after 10 minutes. Strasbourg struggled with turnovers and offensive rhythm early in the second period, conceding three-point shots to Antoine Eïto and Thomas Ville as the deficit widened.
Maxence Lemoine Sparks First-Half Comeback
With his team struggling to find offensive flow, 19-year-old guard Maxence Lemoine energized the Rhénus crowd. Lemoine delivered a high-tempo burst featuring an interception, transition scores, drawn fouls, and relentless defensive pressure.
In Lemoine’s wake, Strasbourg mounted a 9-0 run to narrow the gap before halftime. Boulazac maintained a narrow 42-40 lead heading into the locker room at the break.
Defensive Adjustment Shifts Momentum After Intermission
The defensive intensity shifted decisively in favor of the hosts during the third quarter. Despite foul trouble accumulating for William Pfister and Samuel Alajiki, Strasbourg tightened its perimeter defense and took control of the tempo.
Lemoine reached 15 points by the end of the third period, before teammates Abdoulaye Ndoye and Jaylen Hands took over the scoring load. Hands finished the night with 18 points, five rebounds, five assists, and an efficiency rating of 20.
Boulazac Falls Short Despite Late Push
Boulazac attempted a rally at the start of the fourth quarter, but Alexandre Ménard’s squad could not close the gap. The 87-75 defeat marked Boulazac’s second loss of the season, following a defeat against Roanne in the opening round.
Janis Gailitis saw his team seal the result down the stretch, securing the 12-point margin.
Legia Warsaw Awaits in Basketball Champions League
With their domestic account opened, Strasbourg turns its attention immediately to European competition. The club hosts Polish side Legia Warsaw at the Rhénus on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, for their opening fixture of the Basketball Champions League.
What Caused the Match Delay and Who Scored Most?
What caused the delay to the start of the match?
Train transportation issues delayed the arrival of the principal referee, forcing arena officials to push back the initial 6:00 p.m. tip-off at the Rhénus by several minutes.
How many points did Maxence Lemoine score?
Maxence Lemoine led Strasbourg’s perimeter efforts with 17 points, providing a crucial spark during the second-quarter comeback.
Who were Boulazac’s top scorers in the match?
Aaron Estrada led Boulazac with 19 points, while teammate Essome Miyem added 12 points and nine rebounds in the losing effort.
When is Strasbourg’s next game?
Strasbourg returns to the Rhénus on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, to face Polish club Legia Warsaw in the opening match of the Basketball Champions League.
