Bichard Masterclass Lifts Challans Over Gries-Souffel
Jeremy Bichard orchestrated a dramatic turnaround, steering Challans to a vital 91-84 win against Gries-Souffel. While Gries-Souffel held a slim one-point lead at halftime (44-45), Challans seized control in the third quarter, outscoring their opponents 22-12 to build a commanding nine-point advantage (66-57) entering the final period. Challans' bench proved instrumental, contributing 36 points compared to Gries-Souffel's 31. The home side shot an efficient 52% from the field (32/62), whereas Gries-Souffel struggled from deep, converting just 26% of their three-point attempts (8/31). Despite Ludovic Beyhurst dishing out 13 assists for Gries-Souffel, it was Bichard, coming off the bench with 21 points and 7 assists, who proved decisive, complemented by Luka Nikolic's 14 points. Challans, despite this victory, remains rooted to the bottom of the Leaders Cup standings with a 1-18 record.
Securing a seven-point margin of victory (91-84), Challans clinched a crucial win. Bichard's standout performance, adding 21 points and 7 assists, was pivotal in shifting the game's momentum. Luka Nikolic also chipped in with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Gries-Souffel, who led 44-45 at the break, couldn't sustain their offensive rhythm, suffering a defeat that keeps them in 13th place in the Leaders Cup standings. Challans' dominant third quarter, a 22-12 run, proved to be the game's turning point. This win offers some breathing room for Challans, though their league position remains precarious.