Hands Guides Strasbourg Past Boulazac in Home Opener
Jaylen Hands orchestrated a crucial home victory for Strasbourg, as they overcame Boulazac 87-75 at the Rhénus Sport. Trailing by two points at halftime (40-42), Strasbourg mounted a significant comeback, outscoring their visitors 26-15 in the third quarter to enter the final period with a commanding nine-point lead (66-57). This surge propelled them to their first win of the season, levelling their record at 1-1. Strasbourg's sharp shooting was a key factor, hitting 50% of their three-pointers (12-of-24), while Boulazac struggled at 37% from the field overall (25-of-67). The Strasbourg bench also provided a substantial boost with 42 points, though Boulazac's reserves countered with 46 points of their own. Hands led the charge with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, complemented by Neftali Difuidi's 13 points and 6 rebounds off the bench. For Boulazac, Aaron Estrada scored 19 points and Essome Miyem grabbed 9 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to halt Strasbourg's momentum. The loss drops Boulazac to 0-1 in the Leaders Cup standings.