Paris crucified by ex-player Sylvain Francisco… for a 5th consecutive loss!
March 13, 2025
Lilian Bordron
Paris falls again, Splitter candid about tough stretch: « We need to get out of this hole »
EuroLeague - Paris Basketball is going through a difficult period and fell again in EuroLeague this Thursday at Zalgiris Kaunas (84-82). Despite being up by 20 after 19 minutes, Paris crumbled against their former player Sylvain Francisco. Tiago Splitter was candid about the situation, acknowledging the current struggles.
Photo Credit : Julie Dumélié
After a perfectly controlled first half where Paris Basketball led by 20 points with one minute left before halftime (47-27), the game seemed well in hand for Tiago Splitter’s players. But in the second half, the momentum completely shifted.
Zalgiris, led by a decisive Sylvain Francisco (15 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds for a 24 PIR), found their shooting touch and especially their aggressiveness, gradually taking control. The former Paris point guard scored the game-winning basket in the final moments, sealing another disappointment for Paris.
Tiago Splitter: « I didn’t prepare my players well enough »
After the game, Tiago Splitter didn’t make excuses and took responsibility for this defeat.
« In the first half, Zalgiris wasn’t making their shots and that gave us a false impression. Then, when they started making their shots, we took a big hit. We didn’t play our best basketball, they were more aggressive, » he explained to BasketNews.
The Brazilian coach also highlighted issues with physical and mental impact.
« They got all the 50-50 balls, rebounds, they found easy transition baskets. I didn’t prepare my players well enough for that, and sometimes you need to take responsibility and move forward. »
A fifth straight loss and urgent need to respond
Paris Basketball is now on a dark streak with five consecutive losses, including three in EuroLeague. A defeat that’s even more painful as it came against a direct competitor in the playoff race.
Despite this difficult period, Tiago Splitter refuses to sink into negativity.
« There’s no secret, we need to keep moving forward. We need to get out of this hole, no matter how. We have a Cup semifinal on Saturday, then Milan in EuroLeague. We need to focus on the next game, not feel sorry for ourselves and move forward. »
A determined message, but Paris will need to respond quickly if they still want to hope for a playoff spot.
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