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ELITE 2

Promoted teams Challans and Quimper start strong away, Orleans and Roanne solid

ELITE2 - The first day of ELITE 2 delivered its share of surprises and confirmations. Orleans struck hard at Nantes (72-87), Blois resisted Saint-Chamond Andrezieux-Boutheon (85-81) and Challans claimed an unexpected victory on Elan Bearnais' court (55-56)
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Promoted teams Challans and Quimper start strong away, Orleans and Roanne solid
Photo Credit : Chorale de Roanne

The 2025-2026 ELITE 2 season is underway. After Vichy’s success on Thursday in Caen, the other nine matches of the first round took place on Friday, September 19, without broadcasting due to Keemotion’s technical issues. Between favorites confirming their status, surprises from promoted teams and standout individual performances, the championship has shown its first face.

Orleans lives up to expectations in Nantes

Among the promotion contenders, Orleans Loiret Basket perfectly launched its season by winning authoritatively at Nantes (72-87). Thomas Drouot’s men started strong, already leading 14-43 by the 16th minute. While Nantes thought they could come back thanks to Kyle Riddley and Matyis Kangudia (67-75, 34th), the Loire Valley team controlled the end of the game relying on collective ball movement (27 assists).

Blois carried by the Jeu de Paume’s frenzy

At home, ADA Blois secured an important first win against SCABB (85-81). Without Fabien Damase, David Morabito’s players compensated with their outside shooting (15/37 from 3-point range). Jonas Boulefaa hit a decisive three-pointer late in the game to give his team the lead (80-79). The evening was even more special as Talis Soulhac celebrated his 19th birthday in front of an electric crowd.

Challans surprises Pau, Quimper strikes at Evreux

Both promoted teams made strong statements away from home. Challans won at Pau (55-56) in a very tight game, marked by 25 turnovers from the Vendée team but also by Elan Bearnais’ 9 missed free throws (10/19). Quimper dominated Evreux (72-87), led by Terrell Gomez’s 18 points. The Béliers had already killed the suspense by halftime (+21, 28-49) after a strong start (13-27, 10th).

Antibes and Champagne Basket succeed in their debut

Antibes won a tight game at Poitiers (79-87). Down late in the game (71-67, 34th), the Sharks relied on a decisive duo: Bathiste Tchouaffé (15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals) and Shekinah Munanga (24 points in 21 minutes). Champagne Basket narrowly won against Hyères-Toulon (81-80) thanks to Maël Hamon-Crespin’s 20 points.

Rouen solid, ASA continues its momentum

At home, Rouen dominated Stade Rochelais (85-77) by dominating the rebounding battle (47 to 29). Last season’s surprise playoff finalist, Alliance Sport Alsace confirmed its defensive identity by holding Denain to 35% shooting to win 71-68. Finally, Roanne defeated Aix-Maurienne (79-73) with five players scoring between 10 and 12 points.

Results of ELITE 2 Round 1:

  • Vichy – Caen: 75-68

  • Roanne – Aix-Maurienne: 79-73

  • Blois – SCABB: 85-81

  • Nantes – Orleans: 72-87

  • Denain – Alliance Sport Alsace: 68-71

  • Champagne Basket – Hyères-Toulon: 81-80

  • Poitiers – Antibes: 79-87

  • Evreux – Quimper: 72-87

  • Elan Bearnais – Challans: 55-56

  • Rouen – Stade Rochelais: 85-77

ELITE 2
ELITE 2
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Image Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve is the founder and editor-in-chief of BeBasket, which he has been running since 2010 (formerly known as Catch & Shoot). Having studied at the École Publique de Journalisme de Tours and two universities in North America, he has developed his expertise in French basketball, from the National League to amateur divisions, over the past 20 years. Alongside this, he is also involved in the development of clubs in the Montpellier area.
Promoted teams Challans and Quimper start strong away, Orleans and Roanne solid