The AS Niort basketball team travels to face Pornic on Saturday aiming to maintain their intensity for a full four quarters after a narrow, high-stress victory in their last outing.
While the club currently holds a position on the podium, they face a challenging road test against a Vendée side that has proven formidable on its home court.
The team’s recent performance against Horsarrieu highlighted a significant drop in focus during the second half of play.
Despite building a 20-point lead by halftime, the squad saw that advantage evaporate, ultimately securing a slim 72–70 win, La Nouvelle République reported.
“Our opponent gained confidence as they came back,” head coach Steven Fordant told La Nouvelle République. “It was complacency on our part. We have to get our heads back in the right place. It is a victory, all the same.”
The upcoming match against Pornic presents a difficult task for the Ducks. The Vendée hosts have lost only once at home this season, recording three victories in their own arena.
To secure a result, Niort must replicate the defensive and offensive discipline they displayed during the first half of their previous game, rather than the lapse that allowed Horsarrieu to close the gap. While Moustapha Touré is set to return to the court following a long-term injury, the team will be without Clovis Gaduel, who is currently suspended.
Beyond the current standings, the team intends to remain competitive in the Trophée Coupe de France when they face Castelnau Médoc. The squad is scheduled to travel to Castelnau Médoc (N3) one week later for that competition, an event the organization intends to pursue seriously.
Retaining their current spot on the league podium remains the primary objective for the Ducks before they turn their attention to the cup fixture. The match against Pornic is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
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