Shepherd's Spark Ignites Orléans Past Rouen
Jordan Shepherd ignited Orléans' offence, steering them to a commanding 91-74 victory over Rouen at the CO'Met. The contest swung decisively in the first quarter, with Orléans establishing a 13-point lead that set the tone for the remainder of the game. While Rouen showed flashes, anchored by Akram Naji's 17 points off the bench, Orléans' depth ultimately proved too much. They held a 45-36 lead at halftime and extended it to 13 points entering the final period, ultimately winning by 17. Orléans showcased their efficiency, shooting a blistering 50% from the field (32/64) and benefiting from a substantial 37-25 advantage in bench scoring. Shepherd was instrumental with 18 points and 5 assists, complemented by Tomislav Gabric's 17 points. Despite Marchelus Avery contributing 13 points and 6 rebounds for Rouen, the visitors couldn't muster a consistent challenge. The win leaves Orléans at 0W-1L, with Rouen also standing at 0W-1L in the Leaders Cup standings.