Nantes Stumbles Out of the Gate, Falls to Orléans in Elite 2 Clash
Nantes suffered a setback on their home court at La Trocardière, falling to Orléans in a hard-fought Elite 2 basketball contest. A slow start proved decisive, as Orléans capitalized on early opportunities and maintained a narrow lead despite a spirited second-half comeback from the hosts. The final score reflected Orléans’ ability to withstand Nantes’ increased aggression and secure a valuable road victory.
The loss underscores the competitive balance within the Elite 2 league, where even slight lapses in concentration can prove costly. Orléans’ win demonstrates their capacity to execute their game plan for extended periods, while Nantes’ struggle highlights the importance of consistent performance throughout a full 40 minutes. Both teams will look to learn from this encounter as they navigate the challenges of a demanding season.
orléans coach Lamine Kebe praised his team’s first-half dominance and the resilience they showed in the face of Nantes’ late surge. “We went to get a win away from home and that’s always a challenge in elite 2,” Kebe stated. “We managed to impose what we wanted to do for 30 minutes.” He specifically acknowledged Timothé’s performance in the absence of Xavier, expressing confidence in his entire roster.
Nantes interior Jean-Fabrice Dossou lamented his team’s sluggish beginning. “We shouldn’t repeat this type of start, not being present at all in the confrontation,” Dossou said. “We took 10 right at the beginning and after that it was intricate. The gap created at the start was unachievable to close.” He pinpointed a lack of pride early in the game as a critical factor.
Orléans’ ludovic Negrobar emphasized the team’s strong integration of new players, facilitated by work done during the afrobasket participation of some squad members. “I’m doing well in this group and I know what the coach wants,” Negrobar noted, adding that Lionel’s swift adaptation had been especially remarkable.
