Just 3 points away from victory

Published on October 14, 2026

Paris never gave up in an adidas arena packed with students. After being pushed to the limit by Bologna, our Parisians faltered right at the very end of this fifth matchday of the EuroLeague (94–96).

For the first time this season, the opposition gets off to a flying start. But that doesn’t rattle us; Paris absorbs the blow only to strike back harder! Sparked by a massive block from Allan, our players truly settle into the game when TJ punishes a defensive lapse with a solo drive from the top of the key. Once the door is open, Terry and Jared waste no time attacking the heart of the white-clad defense. It starts with clinical cuts along the baseline, followed by interceptions, three-pointers, and a dunk. In the span of a minute, Paris Basketball ignites the crowd; the roar following every basket is amplified by the cheers of the Parisii and hundreds of students in the stands. Having surged into the lead, we just as quickly find ourselves trailing again! Now it’s Virtus’s turn to enjoy a dominant spell. Yet, once more, the wave meant to rock us fails to capsize the Parisian ship. As soon as we fall behind on the scoreboard, JMO and Tyson turn the three-point line into their personal playground. The first quarter ends all square (26-26). True to their status as a top-ranked offensive team, the squad thrives in a game played at supersonic speed. Post play is virtually non-existent; transition offense, full-court pressure, and a blistering pace set the floor ablaze. While Bologna capitalizes on free throws thanks to a strong inside-out connection, Paris Basketball focuses on ball movement, aiming to put its shooters in the best possible position. Another key difference lies in ball security; our opponents have committed twice as many turnovers. After leading for much of the second quarter, our team concedes a costly run just before halftime (38-46).

This first act has shown us time and again: no matter the situation, Paris Basketball never gives up. Bologna received a rude awakening right after the halftime break. Daulton, Terry, and the inevitable TJ stepped up to get Paris back on track. They clawed their way back from an 8-point deficit to within a single possession! But their opponents—Virtus—didn’t take down Olympiacos by accident; they, too, had a few tricks up their sleeves. As yet another chaotic stretch of play unfolded, the visitors seized the moment to open up a gap. Once again, our Parisians rallied! Better yet, they took the lead. First, Momo hammered home a massive dunk. Daulton followed suit, and finally, the Adidas Arena witnessed “Tyson Time.” From deep range, our number 9 caught fire, keeping the team in the mix as the third quarter ended (65-64). Neck and neck, Allan answered a Diarra alley-oop with a powerful play, while Jared countered Alston Jr.’s three-pointer. Yet, this final stretch didn’t deviate from the game’s overall pattern: offense dominated defense! Despite a strong push from our opponents, Maxime Lefèvre’s men held firm. Fueled by Captain Seba’s long-range shots, Daulton went into unstoppable mode, both from deep and in dishing out perfect assists. With four minutes left on the clock, the game was all tied up (84-84). It was time for crunch time!

Bologna struck first. Seba replied immediately with a catch-and-shoot, but Virtus didn’t let up. Momo then took control of the court with the ultimate combo – a three-pointer and a lay-up in the same play. Our opponents, however, continued to rely on excellent accuracy from behind the arc to maintain their lead. Even off balance, Tyson found the net from the corner. Yet another draw (92–92)! The Italians finally secured a decisive lead that Paris Basketball were unable to close (94–96).

Like ASVEL, Paris Basketball certainly did not deserve to lose. Our Parisians consistently managed to bounce back from the Italians’ bursts of pace, except for that final minute of play.

It’s one thing after another ! On Sunday, the long-awaited Classico against Boulazac awaits you. Grab the very last tickets available by clicking right here !

Boulazac

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