Betclic Élite: beaten at home by Le Portel, Paris Basketball falls from a height, the Mets lose again

2023-10-15 00:30:14

Sensation at the Halle Carpentier! Untenable since the start of the season (5 wins for one setback) and undefeated in the Eurocup (2 wins), Paris Basketball suffered a terrible setback on Saturday on its floor (86-90). A misstep and a cruel disillusionment for the capital club which welcomed Le Portel, a resident at the bottom of the table (only 1 success since the start of the season before this day). The reunion between Nadir Hifi – top scorer of the match with 23 points – and his former club will leave a bitter taste for the Parisian leader.

The latter undoubtedly thought he would have a quiet afternoon. It’s hard to imagine the opposite when, after 15 minutes of play, the new French international gave his team a 14-point lead on a 2-point shot (35-21). However, it was from that moment that Le Portel – Petit Poucet of the championship with a meager payroll of 1.1 million euros, the smallest of Betclic, compared to 2.9 for its opponent (3rd in the division) – began its incredible comeback.

Despite the 22 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 interceptions from the other leader TJ Shorts and an incandescent end to the match, Paris must admit defeat. The Parisians suffered their first setback at home. With now two losses on the clock, they will be joined in 3rd place by the winner of the enticing duel between Nanterre and Asvel (4 W and 2 D) who face each other this Sunday (6:30 p.m., Palais des Sports Maurice-Thorez).

Also note that the other shock at the top of the day will pit Monaco (undefeated leader) against its runner-up Bourg (only 1 setback) this Sunday (3:15 p.m.).

A top of the table which seems a distant memory for the Metropolitans 92. Unhappy finalist last season with Victor Wembanyama and Bilal Coulibaly, the Boulogne-Billancourt club suffered a 7th setback in Nancy (85-69), still undefeated at home. in 7 days.

Captain Lahaou Konaté’s return to business after his paternity leave was not enough. After a tight first act, the Mets were never able to fight for victory. They even fell behind by up to 23 points (56-33, 27th) before limiting the damage in the final minutes. Their start to the season looks like a terrible, never-ending free fall. They occupy a worrying last place in the championship which they share with Gravelines.

Coach Laurent Foirest, who began his week by learning of his ouster from the French team staff and who will therefore not be part of the adventure for the Paris Games, seems in an increasingly delicate situation. The arrival of Blois – direct competitor for maintenance – next Saturday already promises to be crucial.