Orléans Crowned Champions: Kanouté Leads the Way
Siriman Kanouté ignited the offence with 18 points off the bench, powering Orléans to a historic Pro B championship by sweeping Vichy 71-56 in the decisive quarter-final clash. Holding a slim four-point lead at halftime (38-34), Orléans found another gear, with Kanouté, alongside Tomislav Gabric's 15 points, proving instrumental. Orléans tightened their defence, limiting Vichy to just 10 points in the second quarter, while their own offence surged, building a nine-point cushion (53-44) entering the final period. Despite Brice Eyaga's 13 points for Vichy, Orléans sealed their championship fate. The home side's bench, contributing 30 points to Vichy's 24, and their superior ball security (12 turnovers to Vichy's 14) proved decisive. Nathan Kuta also anchored the effort with 8 rebounds and 3 assists, ensuring Orléans' dominance. Orléans are crowned Pro B champions, capping a stellar season with a decisive playoff triumph.