Cholet Basket showcased their strength on Saturday, March 8, 2025, with a resounding 93-67 victory over Dijon during the 21st round of Betclic Élite. From the first whistle, Cholet asserted dominance, leading the match without relinquishing their grip even once. This performance came as much-needed relief for Cholet, who had not won since February 11, including their recent null match against Saragossa, and it propelled them back to the top of the rankings.
Cholet's impressive display saw them establish control early, creating a significant 22-4 lead by the 6th minute. The game turned noticeably challenging for Dijon, as they struggled to find any rhythm or response to Cholet's energetic gameplay. Coach Fabrice Lefrançois highlighted the significance and the quality of team synergy demonstrated by his players, remarking, “It was really good teamwork. We wanted aggressiveness, as we know it allows us to win.”
Despite the victory, Cholet's players faced challenges on the court; they missed 11 free throws and had 18 turnovers. Nevertheless, their ability to rally contributions from across the roster proved pivotal, with seven players scoring between 6 and 15 points. This spread of scoring left Dijon with little to offer defensively against the onslaught.
On the other side, Dijon faced disappointment as their coach, Laurent Legname, did not hold back on expressing his frustration. He stated, “What we produced at home was inadmissible. It was just too bad, tonight, we wanted to win but didn’t put the ingredients together.” The absence of their captain, David Holston, certainly weighed heavily on their performance. Transitioning from their prior victories, the team could not translate their confidence against the formidable Cholet.
Dijon actually fared well with their previous wins, but this match highlighted their vulnerability. They dropped one place down the rankings, sliding from 8th to 9th after Nancy's win against Le Mans just prior. Their future matches will require them to rebound quickly if they wish to stay competitive for playoff positions.
Individually, Cholet's players thrived, particularly T.J. Campbell and Bastien Vautier, who continue demonstrating their prowess this season. Vautier is averaging 12.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, which showcases his growth from last season. The cohesion between seasoned players and young talent like Aaron Wheeler, who emphasized the need for aggression during games, prepares the team for future challenges.
The dynamics of this match weren't just about numbers on the board; it was about maintaining continuous momentum. “We found our dynamic,” noted Léfrançois, appreciating how the teamwork reflected positively on the outcome of the game. Cholet’s ability to share the ball effectively, averaging over 21 assists per game, is indicative of their commitment to collaboration. They have undoubtedly established themselves as serious contenders for the title.
Looking forward, both teams will have to assess their positions and hurdles. While Cholet maintains their rise with renewed vigor, Dijon must address their shortcomings, particularly as they prepare for their next fixture. The lessons from Saturday's match will be pivotal as both teams aim to secure their positions heading toward the season’s climax.
With this win, Cholet not only showcased their skill and teamwork but also set the stage for their upcoming matches, drawing upon this success to fuel their quest for the championship. For Dijon, the road to recovery will not be easy; rebuilding confidence and erasing the memories of this defeat will now sit high on their agenda.