Ayayi Leads Cholet Past Boulazac
Gerald Ayayi exploded for 25 points, steering Cholet to a significant 77-68 victory over Boulazac at Le Palio. The visitors solidified their eighth-place standing in the Leaders Cup, while Boulazac remains mired in 12th. Though Cholet held a slim one-point lead at halftime (38-39), they extended their advantage to five entering the final period (51-56). Cholet's control grew in the closing stages, sealing their hard-fought win. Cholet's bench provided a crucial spark, contributing 38 points compared to Boulazac's 21. Despite struggling from deep (6-of-26 from three), Cholet compensated with a superior field goal percentage (40%) and tenacious defence, outrebounding Boulazac 42-51 but committing fewer turnovers (10 to 17). For Boulazac, Ousman Krubally delivered a valuable double-double off the bench with 11 points and 13 rebounds, and Angelo Warner chipped in 12 points and 6 assists, but it wasn't enough to counter Ayayi's offensive onslaught and Cholet's collective effort.