Limoges crowned French ProA champions
The French ProA has been decided for another year as CSP Limoges came from behind after the first quarter to defeat Strasbourg 73-70 in Game 3 of the finals series. The club collects its tenth title, but only its first since 2000 and it comes two seasons after the outfit was promoted from the French ProB as champions. The Limoges story is a good Basketball story as the club has been plagued by financial difficulty and even got demoted to the N1 in 2004.
Now the club is at the pinnacle of French Basketball again, and an impressive finals series it has been too. Limoges shocked Strasbourg twice at home to set up a series sweep and the chance to win the ProA at the clubs Palais des Sports Beaublanc arena. It was fitting that these two teams contested the finals, after all they did finish deadlocked at the top of the most competitive ProA season in years with 20-10 records.
Limoges vs. Strasbourg, 73-70
The party got started in the early exchanges, with the Strasbourg players finding themselves struggling against a strong Limoges effort. The hosts offered more going forward and streamed in 26 points to hold a 26-20 lead after 10 minutes. It was a game where Strasbourg needed to throw caution to the wind after two catastrophic defeats at home earlier in the series, but things had not gone to plan in Q1.
However, the away teams’ game plan was quickly back on target as Strasbourg tightened up in the defensive arc and restricted Limoges to just 9 points through the second quarter. The visitors took their chances at the post to claim 16 points through the frame, leaving the score tight at 35-36 with the halftime buzzer sounding.
The first half had ensured a tense third and fourth quarter, and so it proved as the teams traded baskets throughout minutes 20 to 30. Both teams settled into a consistent scoring rhythm, but Limoges stayed sharp to record 19 points while Strasbourg only managed 17. After 30 minutes on the floor, the score stood at 54-52, with just two points separating the teams.
The fourth quarter became a game of wits as Strasbourg forayed forward to plunder the Limoges basket, while the hosts held firm at both ends of the court. The away team tried to no avail to break the Limoges stranglehold, but the home side was not in the giving mood. A repeat 19-17 score from the third frame ensured the French ProA would stay at the Beaublanc.
Taurean Green scored a game high 19 points for Limoges, while Nobel Boungou Colo claimed 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Jean-Marc Dupraz, head coach of the champions, was full of praise for his players.
“This is the culmination of a season that has not always been easy but in the end we always found solutions, we have always remained united and players stayed together. It was not easy because it is such a talented group, and then I’m happy because it lives with Limoges; there are no words … In the rematch? Not really… It’s ups and downs, I was very well surrounded by my family and friends, I thought about quitting as coach at one time but I did not let go. “
Jeremy Leloup paced the losing effort with 16 points, with David Andersen logging a double-double 13 points and 10 rebounds. Strasbourg point guard Antoine Diot praised Limoges, but rued his clubs consecutive losses at home.
Again, we have open shots and they are not met. We missed a little trick several times in the game where we should have done something more. What can I say … Limoges deserves its victory. We had nothing to lose by coming here to play but lost twice at home, it’s a shame