36 years later, Challans returns to LNB: VCB wins NM1 playoffs

Vendée Challans Basket returns to LNB, 36 years later. Two days after their heavy defeat in the second match against Mulhouse, VCB won the deciding game (80-70) and the NM1 playoffs. They will now join Quimper in ELITE 2.

The Michel-Vrignaud cauldron erupts with joy

After controlling game 1 away (60-63), Challans saw Mulhouse level the series (59-89). Everything came down to the deciding game this Sunday, June 22, in a packed Michel-Vrignaud arena. After the setback received at home two days earlier, the Vendée team responded with character. From the start of game 3, Coach Sébastien Lambert’s men set their pace. More aggressive and defensively present, they took the lead in the first quarter (12-11). Mulhouse tried to catch up before halftime (30-30), but Challans came back with better intentions after the break. Thanks to solid defense and a boiling crowd, VCB pulled away in the third quarter (54-47) before closing out confidently (80-70).

A victory the fans won’t soon forget. As soon as the final buzzer sounded, the stands emptied onto the court to celebrate with their heroes. « They did it, » exclaimed a couple in the stands, with tears in their eyes. « This brings back so many memories, » added Gilles Rat, a former emblematic player of the club, in Ouest-France.

A final marked by team effort and emotion

Despite captain Gregory Bengaber‘s injury exit, Sébastien Lambert’s players found the resources to achieve this collective victory. At point guard, Jérémy Bichard, whose contract is ending, experienced a powerful moment. « It’s magical. I couldn’t hold back my tears. Challans has been waiting for this for 36 years. I would really love to experience Elite 2 with this club, » he confided to Ouest-France.

An unexpected journey for Parfait Njiba, already victorious last year with Caen

Recruited mid-season after a difficult start with Caen, Parfait Njiba found a central role in the Vendée squad. « I’m proud to have experienced this adventure. The staff believed in me. Our defensive consistency made the difference, » explained the forward, who had already won the NM1 playoffs with Caen last year.

A historic page and new challenges

Winning the National 1 playoffs for the first time, Challans must now prepare to join Elite 2. This promotion brings new challenges: budget, facility upgrades, recruitment. One thing is certain: this Sunday, Challans (re)claimed its place in French professional basketball.