USO Mondeville Edges Rouen in Tight Normandy Derby to Secure Second Win

Mondeville Secures Second Victory in Hard-Fought Derby at Rouen

USO Mondeville secured a narrow 55-50 victory against Rouen Métropole Basket on Friday, October 2, 2026, claiming their second win of the season in front of 300 spectators. The hard-fought Normandy derby saw the visitors build a comfortable first-half advantage behind early three-point shooting before weathering a spirited second-half comeback by the home side.

Hot Shooting Sets Early Tone Before Rouen Responds

Mondeville established control during the opening ten minutes by relying on perimeter marksmanship. Four different players hit from beyond the arc in the first quarter, and Joëlly Belleka extended the barrage at the start of the second period. Combined with a lay-up from Yloann Matima, USO Mondeville stretched their lead to 26-17. However, as shooting percentages dipped, Rouen tightened their defensive pressure.

Momentum Shifts and Late-Game Turnover Seal the Result

Rouen captured the momentum in the third quarter. Following nine consecutive misses from beyond the 6.75-meter line, Timéra sank a three-pointer to put Rouen ahead 34-33 for their first lead of the night. The encounter remained tightly contested throughout all 40 minutes, with the margin never expanding beyond a nine-point peak for Mondeville and fluctuating within a tight four-to-six-point window. A late offensive rebound that Rouen failed to secure cleanly proved decisive. With possession turning over, Rouen was forced to commit fouls, sending Elyah Kiavi to the free-throw line to seal the 55-50 outcome.

Coaching Assessment Highlights Ongoing Offensive Work

Reflecting on the performance, Mondeville head coach Morgan Debrosse noted that while the defensive effort succeeded in limiting Rouen to 50 points, the team’s offensive execution remains a work in progress. The coach pointed out a 29% shooting success rate and mentioned that players still exhibit nervous tension on routine plays, indicating the offensive playbook is not yet fully assimilated. Despite the early-season friction, Mondeville sits at two wins from two matches following an opening victory against the Centre fédéral where Shelby Saint-Juste recorded 12 rebounds and six passes décisives.

Clara Causeur Leads Rouen MBB to 50 Points

The fixture was officiated by referees Aït Bouya and Slama in front of a crowd of 300. Rouen MBB finished with 50 points (20-15, 7-8, 11-16, 17-11), led by Clara Causeur with 17 points and four rebounds, alongside Timéra with 9 points, Touré with 8, Aminata Ly with 7 points and 12 rebounds, Belabbas with 5, Mbuyamba with 2, and Marie with 2 under coach Corentin Mahé.