Anthony Barber and Nick Johnson Save Saint-Quentin in a Thrilling Game 2 Win Over Poitiers

Saint-Quentin had their backs against the wall. After falling in overtime at Poitiers in Game 1 (100-96), SQBB returned home on May 27 knowing that another defeat would end their 2025-2026 season. What followed was a tense, hard-fought battle that came down to the wire — and ultimately, a three-point victory that keeps their playoff hopes alive.

Barber and Johnson: A Duo That Delivered When It Mattered

The story of this game belongs to two Americans. Nick Johnson was Saint-Quentin’s offensive engine, finishing as the team’s leading scorer with 22 points and 5 rebounds in 31 minutes. His ability to create his own shot and punish Poitiers’ defense in key moments proved decisive throughout the evening.

Alongside him, Anthony Barber was the conductor. In 33 minutes of play, the playmaker posted 17 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists — one dime away from a triple-double. His ability to control the tempo and find teammates in rhythm gave Saint-Quentin a structure that Poitiers struggled to disrupt consistently.

The supporting cast contributed as well. Giovan Oniangue delivered a strong 15-point performance off the bench in just 22 minutes, providing the energy and scoring punch that helped Saint-Quentin maintain the lead in critical stretches. Jean-Philippe Dally and Eddie Ekiyor each chipped in 8 points to round out a balanced team effort.

Le SQBB mène à la pause, on continue 😤#Ensemble pic.twitter.com/KzcYchH37g

— Saint-Quentin Basket Ball (@SQBB_Officiel) May 27, 2026

Poitiers Fights Hard but Falls Short Without Ngoy

Poitiers were not without weapons. Aurèle Brena-Chemille led the visitors with 18 points, while Marcus Gomis added 14 and Jordan Ratton contributed 13. Ivan Ramljak was a force on the boards, pulling down 12 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a determined Saint-Quentin side playing for their season.

Notably absent for Poitiers was Narcisse Ngoy, their MVP, who served a suspension for Game 2. His absence undoubtedly impacted the visitors’ offensive options, though credit must go to Saint-Quentin for executing when it mattered most.

With the series now tied at 1-1, everything is reset. Game 3 — the decisive clash — will take place at Poitiers, giving the home crowd a chance to push their team through to the semi-finals. For Saint-Quentin, the mission is clear: travel to Poitiers and steal a road win to advance. After the character shown on May 27, few will count them out.