NM1 Round 9 (Regular Season): Rennes keep a leadership position

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Union Rennes as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Union Rennes smashed 10th ranked Vitre at home 96-64. Rennes had a 27-16 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Vitre helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward David Amarh (202-2002) stepped up and scored 16 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and guard Camille Jean (188-2002) chipped in 22 points and 4 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Union Rennes' coach felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was guard Willan Hairabetian (192-2003) with 14 points and 5 assists. Union Rennes (6-2) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with SCABB and Challans. Vitre lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth place with four games lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Vitre will play next round against Chartres trying to get back on the winning streak. Rennes will try to continue on its current victory against tenth ranked Tours at home.
Important game to mention about took place in Tarbes. Third ranked Union Rennes (6-2) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging second-best Lourdes-Tarbes (5-2) 87-86 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Lourdes-Tarbes. It was a key game for the top position in the league. American guard Zyon Dobbs (193-2000, college: Fairmont St.) nailed a double-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and Camille Jean accounted for 15 points and 11 assists. Cameroonian guard Fabien Ateba (192-1991) came up with 26 points for Tarbes-Lourdes in the defeat. Lourdes-Tarbes' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Union Rennes. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with SCABB and Challans. Tarbes-Lourdes at the other side dropped to the third place with two games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Rennes will play against Tours (#10) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Tarbes-Lourdes will play against Les Sables (#11) in Les Sables-D'Ollone and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Andrezieux between Andrezieux and Orchesien BC. Second ranked Andrezieux (6-2) got a very close home victory over 8th ranked Orchesien BC (3-5). Andrezieux managed to escape with a 2-point win 82-80 on Saturday evening. Host team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. The best player for the winners was Moustapha Diakate who scored 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Andrezieux's coach used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was Mathias MMadi who recorded 29 points and 7 assists. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Andrezieux. SCABB keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Rennes and Challans. Orchies lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the ninth place with five games lost. They share the position with Les Sables. SCABB will meet Berck (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Orchies will play against Besancon (#12) and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 9: Chartres won against Bordeaux on the opponent's court 83-78. Besancon was outscored by Boulogne in a home game 76-98. Pays Salonais rolled over Charleville on the road 103-78. Mulhouse was defeated by Berck on its own court 62-71. LyonSO was smashed by Saint Vallier in a road game 104-77. Angers won against Les Sables at home 91-88. Fougeres unfortunately lost to Toulouse on the opponent's court 71-84. Tours was rolled over Challans in a home game 68-92. Laval was defeated by Vitre on the road 92-81.



Rennes - Vitre 96-64:
The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Union Rennes as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Union Rennes smashed 10th ranked Vitre at home 96-64. Rennes had a 27-16 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Vitre helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward David Amarh (202-2002) stepped up and scored 16 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and guard Camille Jean (188-2002) chipped in 22 points and 4 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Four Union Rennes players scored in double figures. Union Rennes' coach felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was guard Willan Hairabetian (192-2003) with 14 points and 5 assists and Kevin Comblon (-2003) scored 15 points. Union Rennes (6-2) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with SCABB and Challans. Vitre lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth place with four games lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Vitre will play next round against Chartres trying to get back on the winning streak. Rennes will try to continue on its current victory against tenth ranked Tours at home.
Top scorers:
Rennes: J.Camille 22+1reb+4ast, D.Ahmad 17+8reb, D.Amarh 16+8reb+3ast, J.Sclear 10+4reb+3ast, D.Zyon 9+1reb+2ast, L.Ewan 7+3reb+3ast
Vitre: K.Comblon 15+3reb, H.Willan 14+3reb+5ast, S.Mambangui 8+4reb, F.Nikolas 7+4reb+1ast, D.Okemba 6+4reb+2ast, T.Alves 4+2reb

Bordeaux - Chartres 78-83:
Rather expected game when 12th ranked Bordeaux (2-7) was defeated at home by tenth ranked C'Chartres (4-4) 83-78 on Wednesday. Chartres forced 26 Bordeaux turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was center Jonathan Mkamba (-1999) who had a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds. Momar Ndoye (196-1995) chipped in 9 points and 10 rebounds. C'Chartres' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was American-Nigerian guard Nicholas Shogbonyo (185-2004, college: TAMUCC) who recorded 25 points and 7 rebounds and guard Eliott Froc (182-1991) added 16 points respectively. Four Bordeaux players scored in double figures. Chartres moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 5 other teams. Bordeaux lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the twelfth position with seven games lost. Chartres will meet at home Vitre (#8) in the next round. Bordeaux will play against Fougeres (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Chartres: G.Louis 14+3reb, P.Idrissa 13+2reb+4ast, L.Luc 11+4reb+2ast, M.Jonathan 10+11reb+2ast, L.Theo 9+10ast, N.Momar 9+10reb+1ast
Bordeaux: N.Shogbonyo 25+7reb+1ast, F.Eliott 16+2reb+2ast, N.Calabre 10+3reb+5ast, C.Desmonts 10+6reb+1ast, B.Antoine 7+6reb+5ast, S.Sebabe 6+5reb+1ast

Besancon - Boulogne 76-98:
Very predictable result when fifth ranked SO Maritime Boulogne (5-2) smashed on the road 12th ranked Besancon (1-7) 98-76 on Friday. Boulogne shot the lights out from three sinking 16 long-distance shots on high 55.2 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists. The best player for the winners was American point guard Aaron Deloney (183-2001, college: Vermont) who scored 20 points. Burkinabe-American Bubu Palo (188-1991, college: Iowa St.) chipped in 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Coach 's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. At the other side the best for losing team was Hugo Boumpoutou (200-2004) who recorded 17 points and 4 steals and center Nathan Pineau (204-2002) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Five Boulogne and four Besancon players scored in double figures. Boulogne moved-up to third place, which they share with 4 other teams. Besancon lost their third game in a row. They keep the twelfth position with seven games lost. They share it with Laval. Boulogne will meet at home Mulhouse (#5) in the next round. Besancon will play against Orchies (#9) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Boulogne: D.Aaron 20+3reb+3ast, E.Samuel 13+3reb+1ast, K.Ousmane 11+3reb+5ast, M.Ladji 11+5reb+2ast, P.Bubu 10+5reb+5ast, M.Noah 9+2reb+5ast
Besancon: H.Boumpoutou 17+2reb+3ast, A.Venckus 14, N.Pineau 13+6reb+2ast, A.Cagnet 10+4reb, H.Cluysen 10+3reb+3ast, C.Eliezer-Vanerot 6+6reb+3ast

Charleville - Pays Salonais 78-103:
There was a minor upset when 7th ranked Charleville-Mezieres (3-4) was rolled over at home by ninth ranked Pays Salonais (3-4) 103-78 on Friday. Pays Salonais outrebounded Charleville 34-21 including 26 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was Logan Bourgeois (185-2005, college: NW Florida St.) who scored 26 points. American Jalen Jenkins (201-1994, college: GMU, agency: Players Group) chipped in 20 points and 8 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Coach 's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. At the other side the best for losing team was Tyron Minfir (197-2002) who recorded 25 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and point guard Martin Courtois (191-1997) added 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Pays Salonais moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Charleville. Pays Salonais will meet at home Saint Vallier (#10) in the next round. Charleville will play against Val de Seine in Le Mee and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Pays Salonais: L.Bourgeois 26+2reb+3ast, J.Jalen 20+8reb+2ast, H.Dalil 15+3reb+5ast, Y.Imboua 11+10reb+2ast, M.Hugo 9+3reb, H.Jiyann 9+1ast
Charleville: T.Minfir 25+2reb, M.Courtois 17+6reb+4ast, Y.Allard 12+1reb+2ast, N.Kovanusic 10+4reb+1ast, M.Tonji 7+4reb+3ast, S.Michineau 3+2reb+3ast

Mulhouse - Berck 62-71:
There was a small surprise when fourth ranked Berck (5-2) beat on the road second-best Mulhouse (5-2) 71-62 on Friday. Berck forced 21 Mulhouse turnovers. The best player for the winners was American point guard George Brock (183-1995, college: SUNO) who scored 25 points and 5 assists. Loic Noudogbessi (200-2004) chipped in 8 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Brock is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Dion Wright (201-1993, college: St.Bonaventure) who recorded 14 points and 5 rebounds and guard Theo Rey (194-2000) added 13 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Berck moved-up to third place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Mulhouse. Berck will meet at home league's second-placed SCABB in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Mulhouse will play against Boulogne in Boulogne-sur-Mer and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Berck: B.George 25+2reb+5ast, A.Spinali 11+5reb, M.Ludovic 9+7reb+1ast, N.Loic 8+8reb+5ast, B.Steve 7+2reb+2ast, P.Grismay 6+7reb+1ast
Mulhouse: D.Wright 14+5reb+1ast, T.Rey 13+5reb+2ast, M.Montout 9+1reb+5ast, M.Nwabuzor 7+4reb+2ast, G.Dembele 7+11reb+1ast, M.Chambre 6+3reb+3ast

Saint Vallier - LyonSO 104-77:
Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both eleventh ranked Saint Vallier and 10th ranked LyonSO had identical 1-5 record. This time Saint Vallier used a home court advantage and outplayed the opponent from Lyon 104-77 on Friday night. Saint Vallier shot 66.1 percent from the field. They also forced 19 LyonSO turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Saint Vallier made 7 blocks. The best player for the winners was Jonathan Hoyaux (195-1988) who scored 23 points and 6 rebounds. Simeon Kalemba (199-2003) chipped in 17 points and 7 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Five Saint Vallier players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Junior Zero (195-1997) who recorded 14 points and naturalized Madagascar guard Johan Randriamananjara (199-2000) added 3 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Saint Vallier (2-5) moved-up to tenth place. LyonSO lost their sixth game in a row. They dropped to the eleventh position with six games lost. Saint Vallier will meet higher ranked Pays Salonais (#7) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. LyonSO will play against the league's leader Loon-Plage (#1) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Saint Vallier: H.Jonathan 23+6reb+3ast, K.Simeon 17+7reb+2ast, N.Darhius 12+2reb+6ast, M.Patrick 12+5reb+4ast, M.Semelet 11+5reb+1ast, O.Yao-Delon 9+1reb+1ast
LyonSO: Z.Junior 14+2reb+3ast, J.Theo 11+1reb, R.Boum 11+2reb, H.Nguyen 8+1reb+1ast, S.Mattias 8+2ast, E.Thillier 8+3reb+3ast

Angers - Les Sables 91-88:
Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both ninth ranked Etoile Angers and 10th ranked Les Sables had identical 3-4 record. This time Etoile Angers used a home court advantage and edged the opponent from Les Sables-D'Ollone 91-88 on Friday night. Angers made 24-of-29 free shots (82.8 percent) during the game. They also forced 23 Les Sables turnovers. Angers looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was point guard Matteo Vergiat (182-2006) who scored 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. point guard Gregory Bengaber (186-1997) chipped in 11 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Quentin Ruel (202-1999) who recorded 15 points and power forward Marc Kwedi (200-1997) added 14 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) respectively. Five Angers and four Les Sables players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Angers (4-4) moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Les Sables dropped to the ninth position with five games lost. They share it with Orchies. Angers will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Les Sables will play against Tarbes-Lourdes (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Angers: V.Matteo 19+5reb+4ast, H.Sullivan 16+3reb+2ast, M.Abdul 12+3reb+1ast, B.Gregory 11+7reb+5ast, R.Malik 11+5reb+5ast, D.Gnahore 10
Les Sables: Q.Ruel 15+4reb+3ast, K.Marc 14+6reb+1ast, F.Fortas 12+1reb+2ast, J.Kebe 11+4reb+4ast, G.Berchel 8+3reb+1ast, B.Noah 8+3reb+2ast

Tarbes-Lourdes - Rennes 86-87:
Important game to mention about took place in Tarbes. Third ranked Union Rennes (6-2) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging second-best Lourdes-Tarbes (5-2) 87-86 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Lourdes-Tarbes. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Rennes players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. Tarbes-Lourdes was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Zyon Dobbs (193-2000, college: Fairmont St.) nailed a double-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and guard Camille Jean (188-2002) accounted for 15 points and 11 assists. Four Union Rennes players scored in double figures. Cameroonian guard Fabien Ateba (192-1991) came up with 26 points and American point guard Demaree King (183-1999, college: Jax State) added 14 points respectively for Tarbes-Lourdes in the defeat. Lourdes-Tarbes' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Union Rennes. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with SCABB and Challans. Tarbes-Lourdes at the other side dropped to the third place with two games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Rennes will play against Tours (#10) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Tarbes-Lourdes will play against Les Sables (#11) in Les Sables-D'Ollone and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Rennes: D.Amarh 19+7reb, D.Zyon 18+11reb+4ast, K.Timothe 17+7reb, J.Camille 15+3reb+11ast, J.Sclear 8+2reb, M.Pointel 4+2reb+3ast
Tarbes-Lourdes: F.Ateba 26+4reb+3ast, D.King 14+1reb+3ast, G.Valayer 11+4reb+3ast, M.Benhamed 8+4reb+1ast, G.Noah 8+3reb+2ast, B.Tackamoud 5+2reb+3ast

Toulouse - Fougeres 84-71:
The game between closely ranked teams ended with 5th ranked Fougeres' (4-4) road loss to fourth ranked Toulouse (5-2) 71-84 on Friday. Toulouse outrebounded Fougeres 46-33 including a 36-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was Louis Marnette (192-2001) who scored 19 points and 6 assists. American guard Tre Jackson (184-2001, college: WCU) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds. Four Toulouse players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Romain Dardaine (200-1988) who recorded 10 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and guard Yanis Harrath (178-1998) added 12 points and 6 assists respectively. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Toulouse. They moved-up to third place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Fougeres keeps the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with 5 other teams. Toulouse will meet Laval (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Fougeres will play against Bordeaux (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Toulouse: M.Louis 19+1reb+6ast, J.Tre 15+5reb+2ast, P.Robin 12+2reb+4ast, B.Willesley 12+5reb+3ast, L.Proponi 8+5reb+1ast, F.Matthias 7+12reb
Fougeres: H.Yanis 12+2reb+6ast, J.Calvin 12+5reb+1ast, D.Romain 10+6reb+6ast, A.Tawredu 9+4reb+1ast, B.Kevin 9+1reb+1ast, V.Mopsus 9+4reb+3ast

Tours - Challans 68-92:
Rather predictable result when third ranked Vendee Challans (6-2) smashed on the road 6th ranked Tours (4-5) 92-68 on Friday. Challans looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Challans made 8 blocks. The best player for the winners was Nelson Cece (200-2002) who scored 23 points. Seychellois center Abdel Kader Sylla (204-1990) chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds. Five Vendee Challans players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Franck Yetna (201-2002, college: TAMUCC) who recorded 14 points and 8 rebounds and guard Kameronn Selebangue (190-2004) added 12 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Challans keeps a position of league leader, which they share with SCABB and Rennes. Loser Tours dropped to the tenth place with five games lost. Challans will meet at home Lorient (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Tours will play against the league's leader Rennes and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Challans: C.Nelson 23+2reb+1ast, K.Abdel 13+6reb+2ast, L.Rene 12+5reb+2ast, K.Eric 12+2reb+3ast, M.Marquise 12+2reb+5ast, N.Luka 11+5reb+2ast
Tours: F.Yetna 14+8reb+3ast, K.Selebangue 12+5reb+6ast, J.Gibey 11, Y.Siegwarth 11+1reb+3ast, G.Dimoke 8+5reb+2ast, M.Sissoko 6+11reb

Vitre - Laval 92-81:
Not a big story in a game when 13th ranked Laval (1-7) was defeated on the road by tenth ranked Vitre (4-4) 92-81 on Friday. Vitre made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was point guard Alexandre Fanchini (183-1999, college: Colby CC) who scored 29 points, 5 assists and 5 steals. Forward Baptiste Oger (196-2000) chipped in 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Vitre players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Alexis Racine (191-1995) who recorded 19 points and 9 assists and power forward Emryss Mormin (203-1996) added 18 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Laval's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Vitre moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Laval dropped to the twelfth position with seven games lost. They share it with Besancon. Vitre will meet Chartres (#6) on the road in the next round. Laval will play against Toulouse (#4) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Vitre: F.Alexandre 29+3reb+5ast, B.Oger 16+6reb+4ast, C.Kevin 14+8reb+2ast, O.Dorian 11+2reb+2ast, W.DeShaun 10+5reb+2ast, W.Hairabetian 6+1reb+6ast
Laval: R.Alexis 19+1reb+9ast, E.Mormin 18+8reb+2ast, A.Belkessa 15+2reb+5ast, G.Romain 7+6reb+2ast, N.Raphael 6+1reb, M.Abdulsalam 6+7reb+1ast

SCABB - Orchies 82-80:
A very close game took place in Andrezieux between Andrezieux and Orchesien BC. Second ranked Andrezieux (6-2) got a very close home victory over 8th ranked Orchesien BC (3-5). Andrezieux managed to escape with a 2-point win 82-80 on Saturday evening. Host team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. SCABB dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Orchesien BC' 30. SCABB looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. The best player for the winners was Senegalese Moustapha Diakate (206-2004) who scored 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Guard Zakaria Mechergui (198) chipped in 12 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Five Andrezieux players scored in double figures. Andrezieux's coach used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was naturalized Madagascar guard Mathias MMadi (196-2005, college: Seward County) who recorded 29 points and 7 assists and naturalized Guinean forward Abdoulaye Sy (201-1995) added 20 points and 6 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) respectively. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Andrezieux. SCABB keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Rennes and Challans. Orchies lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the ninth place with five games lost. They share the position with Les Sables. SCABB will meet Berck (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Orchies will play against Besancon (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
SCABB: D.Moustapha 17+6reb+4ast, B.Theo 16+2ast, M.Zakaria 12+5reb+7ast, D.Pape 11+5reb+1ast, G.Charles 10+2reb+3ast, C.Hugo 6
Orchies: M.M'Madi 29+2reb+7ast, S.Abdoulaye 20+6reb, C.Louka 11+5reb+5ast, H.Monney-Deido 8+2reb+2ast, B.Marius 7+5reb+2ast, A.Tiago 5+8reb+2ast