Elan Chalon defeats Porto and secures a final to qualify for BCL

Fribourg, done. Porto, done. Only Murcia or Utena remains. This Monday afternoon in the mountain town of Samokov, in Western Bulgaria, Elan Chalon won their second game in the Basketball Champions League (BCL) preliminary round.

Elric Delord’s team pulled away in the second half against FC Porto to win by 21 points (100-79). This earned them a spot in Wednesday’s Group 3 preliminary round final, scheduled for 7 PM French time.

30 points scored off Porto’s 21 turnovers

Leading at halftime (51-45), Elan Chalon had conceded too many points, especially in the second quarter (27). Right after the break, the Burgundy team focused on disrupting their opponent’s game, which they managed to do. After 6 minutes of play, they had limited Axel Toupane’s team (2 points on 0/7 shooting, 3 assists and 4 fouls for -2 efficiency rating in 18 minutes) to just 6 points. In rhythm and confident after multiple stops, they pulled away (68-51, 26′) on a 3-pointer by Zac Cuthbertson (17 points on 6/12 shooting and 2 rebounds) found in transition in the corner after a steal by Jeremiah Hill (20 points, including 14 in the first half, 5 assists and 5 steals for 23 efficiency rating).

In total, Chalon forced 21 turnovers from the Portuguese team, converting them into 30 points. With also 25 second-chance points (after 26 offensive rebounds), they were dominant on all fronts to reach 100 points despite a garbage time finish (16 points in the fourth quarter). The coaching staff was able to give minutes to young center Yanis Tonnellier (13 minutes, 3 points and 2 rebounds) and also brought in Akram Naji and Jelani Kante in the final two minutes.

À un match d’une qualification en BCL 🇪🇺

⚔️ Porto 79-100 Elan Chalon

📊 Hill 20, Cuthbertson 17, Mutts 11, Gaudoux 10, Darling 10, Choupas 10, Leray 7, Tonnellier 6, Nadolny 5, Anochili-Killen 4#RougeEtBlanc #BasketballCL pic.twitter.com/0IRHgC5ceK

— Elan Chalon (@ELANCHALON) September 22, 2025

Likely final against Murcia

Wednesday at 7 PM French time, Chalon’s likely opponent will be of a different caliber. Heavy favorite against the Lithuanian team Juventus Utena, Murcia is a BCL regular. The Spanish team has already had the opportunity to test themselves against French clubs during preseason at the Limoges tournament.