Poitiers clinches final berth in OT thriller
Poitiers punched their ticket to the Pro B finals, outlasting Nantes 85-75 in overtime to clinch the semi-final series 3-1.
The decisive Game 4 saw both teams locked at 47-all by halftime, with Poitiers building a slim 67-60 lead entering the fourth quarter. While Nantes fought back, Poitiers' superior bench scoring, contributing 37 points to Nantes' 29, and their defensive intensity, evidenced by 11 steals and 6 blocks, proved pivotal. The home side shot 45% from the field, converting 10 three-pointers, to secure the crucial victory.
Despite strong showings from Nantes' Mathys Kangudia (17 pts) and Lucas Bourhis (14 pts, 5 ast), alongside Jean-Fabrice Dossou's double-double (11 pts, 10 reb), Poitiers' interior presence, anchored by Narcisse Ngoy's 13 rebounds and 2 blocks for his own double-double, made the difference. Kevin Harley added 15 points, while Aurèle Brena-Chemille chipped in 14 points and 3 steals off the bench, sealing their advancement to the championship round.