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FRA – Batista shines but Le Mans’ upset bid comes up short at Cholet
CHOLET (LNB) - Defending champions Cholet are breathing a sigh of relief after scraping a narrow victory in the opening game of their LNB play-off quarter-final series against Le Mans.
Erman Kunter's team prevailed 77-75 and will now go for a sweep of their opponents when they play at Le Mans on Friday.
Brazil international Joao Paulo Batista led all scorers with 23 points while Sammy Mejia of the Dominican Republic - named the top foreigner in the league at an awards ceremony over the weekend - had 15 to pace Cholet.
Kunter, who was named LNB Coach of the Year, knows Cholet can play better yet he wasn't unhappy after the contest.
"If you look at other championships, the first game is always difficult," he said.
"It is the victory that counts, the difference was not significant.
“We will try to win there now."
Should a Game 3 decider be needed, that will be played on May 24 back at Cholet.
Le Mans big man Rob Lewin says he and his teammates can build on the performance.
"We must stay together for Friday's game," he said.
"We need to play as we did in the second half, but for 40 minutes."
BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque have the upper hand in their French LNB play-off quarter-final against Roanne after winning the opener at home, 66-60, on Tuesday.
Ben Woodside had 15 points and four assists for Gravelines.
Cyril Akpomedah contributed 13 points and five rebounds while Saer Sene had a game-high 12 boards to go with his eight points.
That Game 2 will also be played on Friday at Roanne.
On Wednesday night, Hyeres-Toulon visit SLU Nancy and Coupe de France winners Elan Chalon/Saône are at home to ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne.
CHOLET (LNB) - Defending champions Cholet are breathing a sigh of relief after scraping a narrow victory in the opening game of their LNB play-off quarter-final series against Le Mans.
Erman Kunter's team prevailed 77-75 and will now go for a sweep of their opponents when they play at Le Mans on Friday.
Brazil international Joao Paulo Batista led all scorers with 23 points while Sammy Mejia of the Dominican Republic - named the top foreigner in the league at an awards ceremony over the weekend - had 15 to pace Cholet.
Kunter, who was named LNB Coach of the Year, knows Cholet can play better yet he wasn't unhappy after the contest.
"If you look at other championships, the first game is always difficult," he said.
"It is the victory that counts, the difference was not significant.
“We will try to win there now."
Should a Game 3 decider be needed, that will be played on May 24 back at Cholet.
Le Mans big man Rob Lewin says he and his teammates can build on the performance.
"We must stay together for Friday's game," he said.
"We need to play as we did in the second half, but for 40 minutes."
BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque have the upper hand in their French LNB play-off quarter-final against Roanne after winning the opener at home, 66-60, on Tuesday.
Ben Woodside had 15 points and four assists for Gravelines.
Cyril Akpomedah contributed 13 points and five rebounds while Saer Sene had a game-high 12 boards to go with his eight points.
That Game 2 will also be played on Friday at Roanne.
On Wednesday night, Hyeres-Toulon visit SLU Nancy and Coupe de France winners Elan Chalon/Saône are at home to ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne.
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