Champagne Basket secured an important victory against Nantes on March 14, 2025, with the final score standing at 88-96. This win came just three days after they faced a significant loss to Orléans, and it was absolutely necessary for both teams, as they are competitors fighting to avoid relegation from Pro B.
Right from the start, Nantes showcased impressive skills with strong three-point shooting, beginning the match 3-for-3, which propelled them to an early lead (9-2, 2nd minute). The home team looked promising, and Bryce Nze’s 2+1 play allowed Nantes to stretch their lead to nine points (13-4). Their performance, building on their recent win against Hyères-Toulon, seemed poised to continue, but the dynamic quickly shifted.
Champagne Basket, under the guidance of coach Vincent Dumestre, began to respond vigorously. Mattéo Legat and Guillaume Grotzinger entered the floor and turned the tide for Châlons-Reims, helping the team recover from behind to take the lead (21-23) for the first time late in the first quarter. A long-range shot from Elian Benitez saw Nantes finish the first quarter with the smallest advantage (26-23).
The second quarter showed the teams maintaining competitiveness, with Nantes initially creating more distance through their shooting from the perimeter, but Châlons-Reims consistently pushed back. Dominick Bridgewater and Legat capped off the first half, sending Champagne Basket to the locker room four points up (49-53), demonstrating their resilience and adaptability.
Upon returning from halftime, Nantes struggled to keep up with the pace as they allowed Champagne Basket to go on another run, starting the third quarter with a 7-0 run and extending the lead to 49-60. Chérif Haidara temporarily halted the Champenois’ momentum, but the visitors maintained their superior tempo and control throughout. By the end of the third, Champagne Basket established a substantial margin at 61-72.
Despite entering the final quarter with hope, Nantes faced adversity as they fell behind by as much as nineteen points after conceding another 8-0 run (61-80). Their attempts to rally back fell short as they recovered to just ten points behind (81-91), failing to effectively penetrate the disciplined defense enforced by the visiting team.
Guillaume Grotzinger, leading the charge for Champagne Basket, propelled them forward toward victory, successfully wrapping up the game at 88-96. This marks Nantes’ second consecutive home defeat and signifies the challenge they face continuing within the league.
After the match, Rémy Valin, the Nantes coach expressed disappointment stating, “We’re not there. This is a game to throw away. Châlons-Reims was intense and disciplined. Aside from the first five or six minutes where we shot well from three points, we didn’t maintain any rhythm.” He elaborated on the need for the team to revamp their approach moving forward, emphasizing the responsibility shared by both players and the coaching staff.
Both teams now shift their focus to upcoming matches. Nantes will attempt to rebound against Denain on March 21, 2025, and later face Chartres on March 28, 2025, at 8 PM. Champagne Basket, riding the wave of positive momentum, hopes to continue their streak when they host Fos-sur-Mer, also on March 21, at 8 PM.
This match only heightens the stakes as each team vies to secure their standings and avoid the relegation zone. The intensity exemplified promises bigger clashes as the Pro B season progresses.