Poitiers Crowned Champions: Ramljak Leads Title Charge
Ivan Ramljak spearheaded Poitiers' charge to the Pro B championship, sealing a decisive 76-73 victory over Saint-Quentin in a thrilling quarter-final series decider.
The contest was a nail-biter, with Saint-Quentin holding a four-point lead at halftime (39-43) and clinging to a two-point advantage entering the final quarter (61-63). However, Poitiers mounted a formidable comeback, limiting Saint-Quentin to just 10 points in the fourth quarter while scoring 15 to secure the win.
Despite shooting struggles, hitting just 37% from the field (25/68) and 26% from deep (9/34), Poitiers dominated the glass with 52 rebounds and dished out 17 assists. Their defensive intensity stifled Saint-Quentin, forcing 12 turnovers while only committing 17 assists. Ramljak posted 13 points and 8 rebounds, complemented by Marcus Hammond's 15 points and 6 assists. Narcisse Ngoy delivered a crucial double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring Poitiers' rebounding superiority.
For Saint-Quentin, Cat Barber's 21 points led the charge, but it wasn't enough to overcome Poitiers' late surge. Their bench, contributing 25 points through Loic Schwartz and Clifton Moore, couldn't bridge the final gap.
Poitiers has now been crowned Pro B champions, capping off a gritty team performance in this championship-clinching game.