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

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).

Victoire de l’OLB pour cette première journée de championnat ! 🔥

Très dominants durant les 20 premières minutes, les Orléanais auront parfaitement su gérer leur avance au retour des vestiaires !

📊 17 points pour Ludo, 16 chacun pour Lorenzo et Tomi !#TousOLB pic.twitter.com/ZZybHCrckK

— OrléansLoiretBasket (@OLB45) September 19, 2025

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.

✅ 𝑽𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆

La Chorale s’impose pour la première de la saison d’Élite 2 face à Aix-Maurienne (79-73)

👉 On enchaîne dès mardi 20h, avec la réception de Rouen !#ChoraleNation #Elite2 pic.twitter.com/qezHCIJ4BH

— Chorale Roanne Basket (@ChoraleRoanne) September 19, 2025

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