Pau-Lacq-Orthez Clinch Pro B Title in Overtime Thriller
Bryce Nze delivered a championship performance, leading Pau-Lacq-Orthez to a dramatic 89-87 overtime triumph over Châlons-Reims to clinch the Pro B title. Pau-Lacq-Orthez held a slim five-point lead at halftime (38-33), but saw their advantage whittled down to just one point entering the final period (53-52). The game escalated into a tense, back-and-forth affair, with Châlons-Reims, spurred by Guillaume Grotzinger’s 26 points and Maël Hamon-Crespin’s 21 points alongside 3 steals and 2 blocks, threatening to seize control. However, Pau-Lacq-Orthez’s bench depth, contributing 35 points, proved decisive. Sitraka Raharimanantoanina was instrumental off the bench with 19 points and 8 rebounds, while Nze dominated the glass with 14 rebounds to complement his 21 points, including a crucial double-double. Despite converting just 46% of their free throws (12/26), Pau-Lacq-Orthez found a way to win in front of a raucous home crowd. This hard-fought victory seals the series 2-0, crowning Pau-Lacq-Orthez the Pro B champions.