That makes 5 for Paris

With Joël setting a new record, Paris Basketball had to fight hard this Sunday afternoon during the fifth round of the Betclic ÉLITE at the Halle André-Vacheresse in Roanne (96-75).

In the capital, just as in Roannes, Paris is being Paris! In just one move, our team showcases its unique character. Following a quick throw-in finished off by Terry, our French international immediately gets back to work to steal the ball from the opposition. Mission accomplished in under 10 seconds, which Allan converted into a point with a spectacular dunk. Just to remind you, not even a minute of play had passed! Our players maintained this pace at the expense of the home side, whose first points didn’t come until several minutes later. But the Super Cup scenario is repeating itself! The defences are stepping up the intensity, as is the Chorale. Our lead gradually dwindles as TJ Parker’s side rack up free throws. They close the gap, getting back to a meagre one-possession deficit by the end of the first quarter (18-16) before even taking the lead (19-18). Paris Basketball responded from distance whenever the Loire side attacked the basket. Both teams were in foul trouble after barely five minutes, and the two sides were locked in a real trench war! Despite Joël’s 15 points in just 16 minutes, Roanne overtook us at the end of this first quarter (43-40).

The battle resumed in earnest as soon as the teams returned to the court. Struggling defensively in the paint, Paris Basketball relied on their playmaker Joël to trade blows with Roanne. Impeccable from the perimeter, the success of Paris’s long-range attempts stood in stark contrast to that of the home side. Spurred on by Terry and JMO, who were 3 out of 4 from beyond the arc, our side held firm against the opposition’s pressure as best they could. They pushed and pushed, but our defence didn’t budge! Although trailing at the end of the third quarter (66–64), Paris had surely just done the hard part. Just as we were naturally heading into crunch time, the Loire side completely fell apart. 15… During this fourth quarter, Maxime Lefèvre’s men were awarded nearly 15 free throws, 14 of which they converted. Meanwhile, on the other side, the ÉLITE 2 champions scored just 4 points in as many minutes. Added to this was a one-sided battle for rebounds! And, as if to symbolise it all, Joël broke his personal scoring record in our colours and equalled his career-high total. The defence without the ball effectively crumbled at the Halle André-Vacheresse. A barrage of three-pointers followed, resulting in a one-sided finish to the match and a landslide victory for Paris Basketball (96–75).

Our Parisians will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run in the Betclic ÉLITE next Sunday against Chalon in the Halloween Game. The last few tickets are available right here !