Val de Seine and ESMS Basket 40 advance to NM2 Final Four championship game

Val de Seine Basket and ESMS Basket 40 managed to excel in an unprecedented Final Four in Tulle, where the four best National 2 teams competed for the title. Both clubs delivered strong performances on Saturday to advance to the final.

Val de Seine tames Souffelweyersheim

In the first semifinal, Val de Seine confirmed their incredible rise, just two years after leaving National 3. Against ASA Souffelweyersheim, the Paris region team quickly imposed their rhythm thanks to the impact of Evariste Shonganya (22 points), who was unstoppable in the paint.

Without Maël Muller and Sylvain Sautier, ASA had to adapt, relying on the boldness of their Leicht-Usselmann duo (35 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists) to keep up with the Crocos. At halftime, Val de Seine held a narrow lead (43-39), carried by their shooters Jeanne and Dogbe.

In the second half, even with Shonganya being rested, the Pool C leaders maintained the pressure. Dylan Gendrey took over, and the gap grew to +7 (52-45, 13th). The Alsatians tried to come back, notably through Léo Schann (9 points), but the Parisians’ defense held strong.

Shonganya’s return to the court sealed the game’s outcome. With valuable contributions from all nine players who entered the game, Val de Seine earned a logical 81-74 victory.

ESMS Basket 40’s upset against Salon-de-Provence

ESMS Basket 40, representing the union of Soué, Montgaillard and Sarraziet villages in the Landes, wrote another chapter in their history by defeating the formidable Salon-de-Provence Tigers (67-64). This is the club’s first-ever appearance in the NM2 Final Four.

Against a Provence team that averaged 87 points this season, Coach Arnold Bouazza’s men fought hard, supported by a large crowd.

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« This is definitely an upset! » their coach told Planète_Basket_National. « We knew we could do it if we put in all the ingredients. The guys showed incredible physical and defensive commitment. Holding this team to 64 points is impressive. »

The Landes coach also highlighted his supporters’ contribution and his players’ ability to elevate their game at the right moment: « My men had to surpass themselves to stay in the game. We did that, and even more. »

An unprecedented and exciting final

This Sunday, Val de Seine and ESMS Basket 40 will compete for the National 2 French championship title, succeeding Levallois. Tip-off for the final is scheduled for 3:30 PM in Tulle. Earlier, at 1:15 PM, ASA Souffelweyersheim and Salon-de-Provence will play for third place.