Back in the Top 7

Paris will have its fate in its own hands! Thanks to their decisive victory last Saturday against Chalon (94-77), our U20 team has regained the lead over Nanterre in the race for the Trophée du Future with two games remaining.

Having lost by a hair’s breadth two weeks ago in the Parisian derby, our young Parisians couldn’t afford any mistakes at home against Chalon, who sit just ahead of them in the standings. The opening minutes of the game were marked by a period of feeling each other out. The two teams sized each other up before Paris Basketball managed to capitalize on an early opening around the 6-minute mark. Starting with those successful free throws by Melvine Mbamen, we maintained a lead of at least two possessions over the visitors throughout the entire first quarter. Our lead even grew significantly during the second quarter before Chalon closed the gap shortly before halftime (44-38).

Fully re-energized, our opponents stepped up the pressure after halftime. They quickly took the lead and built a 5-point advantage (46-51). But our players responded with a forceful surge. 26-4… Paris unleashed a 26-4 run on Chalon (72-56)! A decisive run that proved fatal for Chalon. Especially since our team controlled the fourth quarter with an iron fist. The combined 44 points and 14 rebounds from Mamadou Sissoko and Malik Rouamba also played a major role in our victory (94-77). Whenever there was even the slightest dip in momentum, our Espoirs found the resources to regroup.

This win is all the more significant given that, at the same time, Nanterre lost to Dijon (76-77). Our positive goal differential thus allows us to reclaim 7th place. Now, our Espoirs are looking toward the Rock with an eye on this decisive matchup this Saturday against 6th-place Monaco.