Champagne Basket celebrated a significant 89-78 victory over Nantes Basket Hermine on December 27, 2024, during the 18th round of Pro B, marking their sixth win of the season. This win not only boosts their confidence but is also pivotal as both teams are battling to avoid relegation.
The atmosphere at the Reims Arena was electrifying as the Champagne players came out strong, managing to keep Nantes at bay for much of the game. Early on, it was clear Champagne was prepared to conclude the year on a high note. Kevin Samuel made headlines with his impressive return to the court, delivering a stellar performance of 16 points and 10 rebounds, which played a key role in securing the victory.
Javon Masters and Mattéo Legat both contributed significantly, each scoring 18 points. The combination of solid shooting and superior defensive efforts allowed Champagne to exert control over the game. By outperforming Nantes on rebounds, clinching 46 compared to Nantes's 27, they reinforced their presence in the paint throughout the match.
Despite some challenging stretches, where Nantes attempted to close the gap, Champagne maintained their composure, especially as the game entered the final quarter. Nantes, led by Riddley who scored 26 points, fell short of overcoming the deficit created earlier, managing only 18 points compared to Champagne's strong finishing push of 27 points.
According to Julien Lampin, who covered the match, "A logical victory acquired this Friday at Châlons against Nantes, a direct opponent for maintenance." He noted the importance of this performance, stating, "A performance full of hope for the second part of the season." This victory holds significant weight as both teams are still dealing with the repercussions of their up-and-down campaigns.
After the game, Nantes head coach Rémy Valin expressed disappointment but recognized the necessity of learning from the loss. "Nantes could not hold the distance in the final quarter," Lampin remarked, showcasing how key moments can turn the tide of the match.
This win leaves Champagne Basket with newfound confidence as they look toward their next game against Antibes on January 10, 2025. With the recent addition of Kevin Samuel and the performance boosts from players like Javon Masters and Mattéo Legat, Champagne seems poised to tackle the remainder of the season with renewed vigor.
Overall, this victory over Nantes signifies more than just points on the board; it is about survival and building momentum as they head closer toward the second half of the season, where every game becomes increasingly important for postseason aspirations.
