Pau-Lacq-Orthez Crowned Champions in Nail-Biting Finale
Pau-Lacq-Orthez has been crowned Pro B champions, completing a 3-0 series sweep against Châlons-Reims with a dramatic one-point victory (79-78) at the Palais des Sports Pierre de Coubertin.
In a contest that decided their promotion, the visitors held an eight-point lead at halftime (29-37), only to see the home side mount a significant challenge. Pau-Lacq-Orthez entered the final period ahead by nine (49-58), but Châlons-Reims unleashed a furious comeback. Despite struggling from deep, hitting just 9 of 37 three-pointers (24%), and faltering at the line (21/31 FTs), their bench delivered 51 points, spearheaded by Tidjan Keita's double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Djordje Milosevic's 11 points and 7 assists.
Pau-Lacq-Orthez, however, showcased superior efficiency with a 55% field goal percentage, even amidst 17 turnovers. Fabio Milanese, coming off the bench, was instrumental with 16 points and 6 rebounds, while Bryce Nze contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds.
Ultimately, Pau-Lacq-Orthez held on in the dying moments to secure the Pro B championship, capping their season with a hard-fought triumph.