Nanterre 93, Elan Chalon 81. The French club extended its perfect home record in the Betclic ELITE to 5-0 on Saturday, November 7, 2026, with a convincing victory at the Palais des Sports Maurice-Thorez, BeBasket reported. The win was bolstered by the successful return of American center Mitchell Saxen, who made a significant impact after a multi-week absence due to a back injury.
Decisive First Half Sets the Tone
From the opening tip, Nanterre seized control of the game, dictating a pace that the visiting Elan Chalon struggled to match. The home team’s early dominance was crystallized in the second quarter, where they outscored Chalon 32-19. This decisive stretch built a comfortable 54-35 halftime lead, leaving Chalon visibly overwhelmed and unable to respond effectively to Nanterre’s incisive plays and sharpshooting.
Chalon Fights Back, but Nanterre Holds Firm
The second half saw a more determined Elan Chalon squad emerge. Led by guard Mathéo Leray, who finished with 12 assists, and forward Grant Golden, who contributed 17 points and 5 rebounds, Chalon mounted a spirited comeback. They outscored Nanterre 46-39 in the third and fourth quarters combined, briefly reigniting the contest. However, the sizable halftime cushion proved insurmountable, and Nanterre’s coaching staff, led by Julien Mahé, managed the game effectively to secure the win.
Xavier Castañeda Leads Balanced Scoring
Point guard Xavier Castañeda continued his strong form, delivering a standout performance with 17 points, 8 assists, and a game-high evaluation of 19. His ability to control the game’s tempo and distribute the ball was instrumental in Nanterre’s offensive success. The team’s balanced scoring attack saw multiple players contribute, ensuring Chalon’s defense could not focus on stopping a single threat.
Saxen’s Return Provides a Boost
The most significant storyline of the night was the return of Mitchell Saxen. The American pivot, sidelined for several weeks, was reintegrated into the rotation at a crucial time. With fellow big man J’Wan Roberts also unavailable, Saxen’s presence was immediately felt. He recorded 6 points, 2 assists, and 1 interception, but it was his rebounding that made the most impact. Saxen hauled in 14 rebounds, a remarkable 7 of which were on the offensive end. His physicality and presence in the paint provided Nanterre with a much-needed boost on the glass, a area that had been a liability during their recent European competitions.
Implications for the Standings
This victory solidifies Nanterre’s position near the top of the Betclic ELITE standings. With a 5-0 record at home, the club has established Maurice-Thorez as a fortress. The win also doubled the gap between them and Elan Chalon in the league table, providing Nanterre with a valuable buffer as the season progresses. The combination of a strong domestic performance and a now-healthy roster makes them a formidable opponent.
European Focus Shifts to Vilnius
With the domestic win secured, Nanterre’s attention now turns to the Basketball Champions League. The team will travel to Lithuania next week to face Rytas Vilnius in the fourth round of the competition. The timing of Saxen’s return is particularly fortuitous, as his added strength and rebounding will be crucial for the challenges posed by European opponents. This European match represents a significant checkpoint for the team as it balances its domestic and continental schedules.
The matelas bâti lors du premier acte a permis de contenir le retour bourguignon, et s’assurer un succès.
BeBasket reported on Nanterre’s game management
Mitchell Saxen's Return Game Details
When did Mitchell Saxen return to play?
Mitchell Saxen returned to play for Nanterre on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in their game against Elan Chalon, ending his multi-week absence due to a back injury.
How many rebounds did Mitchell Saxen have in his return game?
In his first game back, Mitchell Saxen recorded 14 rebounds, including a significant 7 offensive rebounds, which greatly helped Nanterre’s performance in the paint.
What is Nanterre’s record at home this season?
Following the win over Elan Chalon, Nanterre boasts a perfect 5-0 record at home in the 2026-2027 Betclic ELITE season.
Who is Nanterre’s next opponent?
Nanterre’s next confirmed match is an away game against Rytas Vilnius in the fourth round of the Basketball Champions League, scheduled for the following week in Lithuania.
Related reading
