Cholet probably never imagined experiencing such an emotional lift in the space of six days. After qualifying for the Leaders Cup last Sunday in Gravelines, Fabrice Lefrançois’ men fell from a height “arms in hand” the following Wednesday, losing to Tofas in the Basketball Champions League, putting an end to their European journey.
The Maugeois managed to raise their heads fairly quickly despite the disillusionment, since they hosted Saint-Quentin on Saturday January 17, during the 16th day of Betclic ELITE. Behind the best performance in the ELITE from Deandre Gholston (26 points, 3 assists and 2 interceptions in 22 minutes), Nathan De Sousa (1.87 m, 22 years old) also found a little smile against his hometown team. After his 12 points and 5 assists against the Phoenix, the All-Star leader returned to the columns of West France over the past week, and those to come until the end of the season. Because the end of the European epic does not undermine Maugeois ambitions, quite the contrary.
Erase the defects to “to pass a milestone”
Rather than dwelling on the elimination in BCL, Nathan De Sousa wants to focus on the upcoming deadlines, drawing positives from the situation. « It’s too late now, we are eliminated: that’s how it is. […] We will have more time to work on our matches”tries to put the young man into perspective.
If his team remained in control against Saint-Quentin, as it had planned for « don’t be afraid »it’s also about getting off on the right foot and tackling big goals. Major objectives may even be revised upwards, thanks to the additional training periods which could make it possible to resolve the irregularity from which Cholet may have suffered. The end of the season is one of all possibilities for De Sousa’s teammates, who are considering « Why not, take a step forward?.
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This milestone would be reflected in the ranking, where CB is currently 8th. « Always eager to win”Nathan De Sousa would like “go for a Top 6 and get through the quarter-finals of the playoffs”he admits bluntly at our colleagues. While waiting to validate or not this comeback, Cholet consolidated its place in the Top 8 thanks to its success at La Meilleraie, coupled with the defeat of Chalon in the derby in Dijon. L’Élan now has one more defeat (8) than the Choletais (9 victories for 7 defeats).
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