France Pro A: Strasbourg drops Paris-Levallois

Strasbourg’s Ricardo Greer directs traffic against Paris-Levallois on Saturday.

Heading into Week 16 in the France Pro A league, four clubs had identical 10-5 records and shared the top of the league. The game of the week was a matchup between league leaders, Strasbourg and Paris-Levallois, in Strasbourg, with the hosts coming out with an impressive 88:73 win.

The last time the two clubs squared off was Nov., 24th in Paris, with the hosts coming out with a decisive 89:72 victory. In that contest, Paris-Levallois won all four quarters and outshot Strasbourg 8-18 (44.4%) to 3-13 (23.1%) from behind the arc and 21 of 25 (84.0%) to 9 of 10 (90.0%) from the free throw line. At the time, Strasbourg was on a two-game losing streak, that was extended to three with the loss. Paris was 5-2 and had won three straight.

Jump to Saturday, the rematch in Strasbourg had both teams at 10-5, with Strasbourg on a five-game winning streak and poised to avenge the previous loss.

It took the hosts a few minutes to establish that fact, but after a 25:22 opening quarter, they shut down the PL offense in the second, only allowing 9 points, while dumping in 19 of their own to find themselves up 44:31 at the break.

Paris-Levallois found their range in the third frame, tallying up 24, but they still couldn’t put a lid on the home club’s hoop and ended up losing another three points on the margin to head into the final 10 down 71:55.

Holding a 16-point margin wasn’t enough for Strasbourg to cover the 17 they lost by in Paris, but try as they would, they couldn’t get over the spread and even lost a point in the fourth, to come out with a 15-point victory, 88:73, for their home fans.

Leading the way for Strasbourg were the Greer brothers, Jeff and Ricardo, combining for 31 points (21 & 10, respectively), 13 rebounds (3 & 10), 10 assists (2 & 8) and an average assessment of 22 (25 & 21). Along with the Greers, Ajinca Alexis contributed 19 points (8 for 11 from the floor and 3 for 3 from the line), 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

For Paris-Levallois, Jawad Williams tallied 20 points, Sean May (10 rebounds) and Antoine Diot added 15 points each.

With the win Strasbourg continues at the top of the standings at 11-5, along with Le Mans and Gravelines-Dunkerque. Paris-Levallois falls to 10-6 and in a tie for the No. 2 spot with Chalon/Saone.