The Nantes Basket Hermine put up an impressive offensive performance to beat Champagne Basket 95-72. Despite a lapse in the third quarter, the Nantais responded superbly with a 22-0 run to secure the win. Coach Rémy Valin’s team will look to build on this solid collective performance as they face Caen on Friday.
Led by a highly effective Dylan Van Eyck, NBH started strong with a 5-0 lead. Nantais dominated the game, extending their lead to 8 points (17-9) with a successful shot by David Gassaud. Former Nantais player Tidjan Keita led a comeback for Champagne Basket with 4 consecutive points. The first quarter ended with a narrow 6-point lead for the Ligériens thanks to a last-minute 3-pointer by Bubu Palo.
Despite initially extending their lead to nine points in the second quarter, Nantais faced a challenge from Champagne Basket who closed in with an 8-0 run (26-25). Nantais responded promptly with a 9-0 run to regain a 10-point advantage (35-25). They maintained this lead into halftime with a spectacular dunk by David Gassaud at the buzzer, reaching 40-30.
After a 5-0 start in the third quarter, Nantais secured a 15-point lead which prompted a timeout from Champagne Basket coach Vincent Dumestre. Despite a strong offensive effort from the opponent, Nantais maintained a solid advantage (52-39) with Van Eyck playing a key role. Nantais then endured a challenging period allowing Champagne Basket to narrow the gap to one point (52-51). However, Nantais responded with a 15-0 run to finish the third quarter leading by 15 points (66-51).
Building on their strong finish in the third quarter, NBH went on a remarkable 22-0 run in the last two quarters, extending their lead to 23 points (74-51). Champagne Basket’s Guillaume Grotzinger attempted to stage a comeback but it was too late. Nantais comfortably managed their lead in the final quarter, with David Gassaud scoring 23 points, securing a 95-72 victory and reclaiming the goal advantage.
Coach Rémy Valin praised his team’s defensive effort, highlighting their intensity and teamwork. Both he and Vincent Dumestre acknowledged the contrasting performances of their teams, with Nantes aiming to climb the rankings and reach the playoffs by the end of the season.
Nantais will next play away against Caen on Friday before facing Elite 2 leaders Chorale de Roanne at Trocardière on March 27 at 8 p.m.
