ProB Round 4 (Regular Season): Blois lose to La Rochelle

Round 4 means everything may happen in ProB as the season just started. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The biggest surprise took place in La Rochelle where host La Rochelle (2-1) crushed league's leader ADA Blois (3-1) 89-63 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of ADA Blois. La Rochelle shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 60.0 percentage. 25 personal fouls committed by Blois helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American point guard Robert Ford III (183-1999, college: Montana St.) fired 23 points and 4 assists for the winners. Mali Ibrahima Haidara (205-1992) chipped in 21 points and 6 rebounds. American point guard Eric Nottage (187-1994, college: FIU) produced 17 points (made all of his seven free throws) for lost side. ADA Blois' coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. La Rochelle moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Antibes and Orleans. Blois at the other side dropped to the second position with one game lost. They share it with 3 other teams. They were replaced at the leadership position by Pau-Lacq-Orthez. Blois will play next round against Hyeres-Toulon trying to make it back to the top of the standings. La Rochelle will try to continue on its current victory against twentieth ranked Challans at home.
Undefeated Chorale de Roanne (3-1) recorded its first loss on the court of twelfth ranked Entente Orleans 45. Visitors were edged by Entente Orleans 45 93-91. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Chorale de Roanne. Worth to mention a great performance of Mali point guard Siriman Kanoute (180-2001) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 6 assists. Tomislav Gabric contributed with 13 points and 5 assists for the winners. The former international Maxime Roos (202-1995) replied with 11 points and 8 rebounds for Roanne. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Orleans (2-1) moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Antibes and La Rochelle. Roanne at the other side keeps the second position with one game lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Orleans will play against Antibes (#6) on the road in the next round. Roanne will play against Caen (#14) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Vichy between JA Vichy and Olympique Antibes. Seventh ranked JA Vichy (3-1) got a very close home victory over 5th ranked Olympique Antibes (2-1). JA Vichy managed to escape with a 1-point win 92-91 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Olympique Antibes. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of Jordan Shepherd who helped to win the game recording 27 points and 5 assists. At the losing side Samir Bikantchou responded with 21 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Vichy moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Olympique Antibes dropped to the sixth position with one game lost. They share it with La Rochelle and Orleans. Vichy will meet Nantes (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Antibes will play against Orleans (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 4 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Saint-Chamond was defeated by Aix-Maurienne in Aix-les-Bains 86-79. Winless Challans was beaten by Nantes at home 71-78. Hyeres-Toulon lost to Denain-Voltaire on the opponent's court 71-86. Bottom-ranked Evreux managed to outperform Caen in a home game 79-76. Gries-Souffel lost to undefeated Pau-Lacq-Orthez on the road 69-75. Bottom-ranked Poitiers crushed Quimper on its own court 93-70. Champagne was beaten by Rouen in a road game 88-86.
The best stats of 4th round was 22 points and 8 assists by Alexandre Bouzidi of Vichy.



Aix-Maurienne - Saint-Chamond 86-79

There was an upset in Aix-les-Bains where higher ranked Saint Chamond (1-3) was defeated by seventeenth ranked Aix-Maurienne (1-2) 86-79 on Friday. Aix-Maurienne looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Saint-Chamond's players. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized Algerian Kamel Ammour (202-1991) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 5 rebounds and who added 18 points during the contest. Aix-Maurienne's coach Julien Cros used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side guard Lucas Beaufort (196-2002) responded with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and American guard Al-Amir Dawes (188-2001, college: Seton Hall) scored 15 points. Aix-Maurienne left bottom position moving up to thirteenth place, which they share with Caen and Quimper. Loser Saint Chamond dropped to the sixteenth position with three games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Aix-Maurienne will meet Gries-Souffel (#19) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Saint-Chamond will play against Poitiers and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Aix-Maurienne: F.Corentin 18+1reb+1ast, K.Ammour 14+5reb+3ast, P.Nicolas 14+3reb+2ast, W.Brandwijk 11+5reb, L.Grasshoff 8+3reb, E.Rigo 8+6reb+2ast
Saint-Chamond: L.Beaufort 18+6reb+5ast, A.Dawes 15+4reb+3ast, C.Pepin 9+6reb+1ast, M.Badr 9+8reb+1ast, A.Bruyas 8+8reb+2ast, U.Joshua 7+1reb+1ast

Challans - Nantes 71-78

No shocking result in a game when fifteenth ranked Nantes (2-2) defeated on the road bottom-ranked Vendee Challans (0-4) 78-71 on Friday. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Kyle Riddley (192-1996, college: Pfeiffer) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 4 assists (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) and point guard Lucas Bourhis (177-2000) who added 17 points during the contest. Nantes' coach Remy Valin used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side forward Mohamad Diop (204-1999) responded with 18 points and 7 rebounds and point guard Jeremy Bichard (186-1990) scored 11 points and 7 assists. Four Challans players scored in double figures. Nantes moved-up to ninth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Vendee Challans still closes the standings with four games lost. Nantes will meet at home higher ranked Vichy (#5) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Challans will play against La Rochelle (#7) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Nantes: K.Riddley 17+4ast, L.Bourhis 17+1reb+2ast, M.Kangudia 10+2reb+3ast, J.Dossou 8+11reb, H.Mienandi 7+1reb+3ast, D.Gassaud 7+3reb+1ast
Challans: M.Diop 18+7reb+2ast, R.Haynes 14+2reb+4ast, J.Bichard 11+4reb+7ast, P.Billong 10+1reb+2ast, B.Gary 6+2reb+2ast, M.Clement 6+6reb+2ast

Denain-Voltaire - Hyeres-Toulon 86-71

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both fifth ranked Denain Voltaire and 6th ranked Hyeres-Toulon had identical 2-1 record. This time Denain Voltaire used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Toulon 86-71 on Friday night. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Denain-Voltaire dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Hyeres-Toulon's 34. Denain-Voltaire looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Vincentian-Canadian Lien Phillip (203-1989, college: Windsor) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 8 rebounds and American swingman Wendell Davis (196-1995, college: Ashland) who added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists during the contest. Five Denain Voltaire players scored in double figures. Denain Voltaire's coach Ali Bouziane used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side American guard Kyle Riddley (192-1996, college: Pfeiffer) responded with 23 points and forward Elwin Ndjock (200-2001) scored 16 points and 5 rebounds. Denain Voltaire have a solid three-game winning streak. Denain-Voltaire (3-1) moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Hyeres-Toulon dropped to the ninth position with two games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Denain-Voltaire will meet at home Evreux (#17) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Hyeres-Toulon will play against the league's second-placed Blois (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Denain-Voltaire: L.Phillip 24+8reb, O.Cortale 15+6reb+2ast, W.Davis 14+5reb+5ast, G.Meyniel 12+2reb+2ast, R.Parmentelot 10+4reb+7ast, L.Marc-Olivier 4+3reb
Hyeres-Toulon: J.Bensley 23+4reb+3ast, E.Ndjock 16+5reb, M.Greenwood 10+3reb, V.Diallo 8+6reb, M.Eugene 6+2reb+2ast, J.Kok 5+4reb

Evreux - Caen 79-76

There was a surprise result when twentieth ranked ALM Evreux (1-3) edged at home higher ranked Calvados (1-2) 79-76 on Friday. Evreux looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Canadian swingman Sean Miller-Moore (193-1998, college: GCU) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 9 rebounds and forward Maxime Galin (203-2002) who added 25 points and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side Bahamas forward Rashad Davis (195-1996, college: FIU) responded with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and American point guard Siyani Chambers (183-1993, college: Harvard) scored 15 points and 6 assists. Calvados' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. ALM Evreux left bottom position moving up to sixteenth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Calvados dropped to the thirteenth position with two games lost. They share it with Aix-Maurienne and Quimper. Evreux will meet higher ranked Denain-Voltaire (#3) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Caen will play against Roanne (#4) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Evreux: M.Galin 25+2reb+4ast, S.Miller-Moore 23+9reb+3ast, A.Da Silva 15+5reb+10ast, Y.Ouedraogo 8+10reb+2ast, A.Tanghe 4+5reb+1ast, B.Sylla 3+3reb+2ast
Caen: R.Davis 20+10reb+2ast, S.Chambers 15+1reb+6ast, A.Rojewski 10+1reb, L.Cassier 8+3reb+1ast, K.Kone 6+11reb+1ast, M.Norelia 6+1reb

La Rochelle - Blois 89-63

The biggest surprise took place in La Rochelle where host La Rochelle (2-1) crushed league's leader ADA Blois (3-1) 89-63 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of ADA Blois. La Rochelle shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 60.0 percentage. 25 personal fouls committed by Blois helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American point guard Robert Ford III (183-1999, college: Montana St.) fired 23 points and 4 assists for the winners. Mali Ibrahima Haidara (205-1992) chipped in 21 points and 6 rebounds. Four La Rochelle players scored in double figures. American point guard Eric Nottage (187-1994, college: FIU) produced 17 points (made all of his seven free throws) and Maxime Sconard (193-2003) added 9 points respectively for lost side. ADA Blois' coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. La Rochelle moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Antibes and Orleans. Blois at the other side dropped to the second position with one game lost. They share it with 3 other teams. They were replaced at the leadership position by Pau-Lacq-Orthez. Blois will play next round against Hyeres-Toulon trying to make it back to the top of the standings. La Rochelle will try to continue on its current victory against twentieth ranked Challans at home.
Top scorers:
La Rochelle: R.Ford III 23+2reb+4ast, I.Haidara 21+6reb+1ast, T.Thomas 19+2reb+2ast, G.Clerc 10+1reb+5ast, L.Hergott 6+7reb, D.Oladapo 5+9reb+1ast
Blois: E.Nottage 17+1reb+2ast, T.Vergiat 10+2reb+2ast, M.Sconard 9+3reb+3ast, F.Damase 7+3reb, R.Morency 7+7reb+1ast, J.Boulefaa 6+3reb+1ast

Orleans - Roanne 93-91

Undefeated Chorale de Roanne (3-1) recorded its first loss on the court of twelfth ranked Entente Orleans 45. Visitors were edged by Entente Orleans 45 93-91. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Chorale de Roanne. Orleans forced 24 Roanne turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. Roanne was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of Mali point guard Siriman Kanoute (180-2001) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 6 assists. Croatian Tomislav Gabric (204-1995, agency: Octagon Europe) contributed with 13 points and 5 assists for the winners. The former international Maxime Roos (202-1995) replied with 11 points and 8 rebounds and Jamaican-Canadian point guard Javon Masters (183-1994, college: UNB, agency: Blacktop Management) added 12 points and 5 assists in the effort for Roanne. Five Roanne players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Orleans (2-1) moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Antibes and La Rochelle. Roanne at the other side keeps the second position with one game lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Orleans will play against Antibes (#6) on the road in the next round. Roanne will play against Caen (#14) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Orleans: S.Kanoute 24+2reb+6ast, L.Negrobar 16+1reb, T.Gabric 13+4reb+5ast, V.Vent 12+1reb, L.Thirouard-Samson 7+6reb+1ast, K.Lionel 6+1reb+2ast
Roanne: A.Durham 16+3reb, D.Affo Mama 14+3reb, J.Masters 12+2reb+5ast, M.Roos 11+8reb+2ast, A.Levarity 11+6reb+2ast, A.Diot 10+2reb+3ast

Pau-Lacq-Orthez - Gries-Souffel 75-69

Not a big story in a game when 15th ranked Gries-Souffel (1-3) was defeated on the road by top-ranked Pau-Lacq-Orthez (4-0) 75-69 on Saturday. However just six-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Drew Thelwell (190-2002, college: Iowa) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and who added 15 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side forward Allan Jeanne-Rose (201-2000, college: CCSU) responded with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists and naturalized Guyanese Gide Noel (199-1993) scored 15 points and 7 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Pau-Lacq-Orthez have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record. Gries-Souffel lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixteenth place with three games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Pau-Lacq-Orthez will meet Champagne (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Gries-Souffel will play against Aix-Maurienne (#13) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Pau-Lacq-Orthez: D.Thelwell 19+2reb+2ast, R.Sitraka 15+8reb, M.Clark 13+2reb+3ast, M.Fabio 12+1reb+2ast, B.Nze 6+7reb+3ast, T.Cornely 5+7reb+3ast
Gries-Souffel: G.Noel 15+7reb, M.Vujic 12+5reb+2ast, D.Myles 11+4reb+3ast, A.Jeanne-Rose 10+7reb+6ast, P.Aranitovic 9+2reb+2ast, K.Malwaya 8+1reb

Poitiers - Quimper 93-70

There was a surprise result when twentieth ranked Poitiers (1-3) outleveled at home higher ranked Quimper UJAP (1-2) 93-70 on Friday. Poitiers dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Quimper UJAP's 22. They outrebounded Quimper 33-20 including 25 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Marcus Gomis (183-2000) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and guard Aurele Brena-Chemille (192-2004, agency: Network Sports International) who added 11 points and 4 assists during the contest. Four Poitiers players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Christopher Dauby (193-1999) responded with 19 points (made all of his seven free throws) and American-Trinidad and Tobago point guard Terrell Gomez (173-1998, college: SDSU) scored 11 points (made all of his seven free throws). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Poitiers left bottom position moving up to sixteenth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Quimper UJAP dropped to the thirteenth position with two games lost. They share it with Caen and Aix-Maurienne. Poitiers will meet Saint-Chamond (#16) in the next round. Quimper will play against Rouen and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Poitiers: M.Gomis 19+3reb+3ast, E.Guillaume 15+1reb+1ast, S.Idowu 11+2reb+1ast, P.Imanol 11+5reb+1ast, A.Brena-Chemille 11+4reb+4ast, N.Ngoy 8+6reb+1ast
Quimper: C.Dauby 19+2reb+1ast, T.Gomez 11+2reb+2ast, L.Thevenard 9+3reb+1ast, A.Dudit 8+2ast, J.Abrams 8+3reb, J.Awich 6+4reb+1ast

Rouen - Champagne 88-86

There was a minor upset when higher ranked Champagne (2-2) was edged on the road by fifteenth ranked SPO Rouen (2-2) 88-86 on Friday. Rouen looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Trayvon Croft (185-1997, college: Parkside) who helped to win the game recording 23 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists and Valentin Bigote (196-1992) who added 18 points during the contest. At the losing side guard Guillaume Grotzinger (190-2004) responded with 22 points and American Laolu Oke (203-2000, college: Montana) scored 11 points and 8 rebounds. Four Rouen and five Champagne players scored in double figures. Champagne's coach Vincent Dumestre rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Rouen moved-up to ninth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Champagne. Rouen will meet Quimper (#15) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Champagne will play against the league's leader Pau-Lacq-Orthez (#1) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Rouen: T.Croft 23+6reb+7ast, V.Bigote 18+4reb+2ast, G.Kensmil 15+3reb+1ast, N.Pharose 13+2reb+1ast, A.Bouba 7+7reb+2ast, C.Mohamed 4+3reb+1ast
Champagne: G.Grotzinger 22+1ast, M.Hamon-Crespin 13+5reb, L.Oke 11+8reb, S.Verplancken 11+1reb+2ast, S.Givance 11+1reb+2ast, E.Kayouloud 7+1reb+3ast

Vichy - Antibes 92-91

A very close game took place in Vichy between JA Vichy and Olympique Antibes. Seventh ranked JA Vichy (3-1) got a very close home victory over 5th ranked Olympique Antibes (2-1). JA Vichy managed to escape with a 1-point win 92-91 on Friday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Olympique Antibes. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Vichy shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 55.6 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Jordan Shepherd (193-1997, college: California) who helped to win the game recording 27 points and 5 assists and swingman Alexandre Bouzidi (197-2004) who added 22 points and 8 assists during the contest. At the losing side naturalized Cameroonian guard Samir Bikantchou (191-1998) responded with 21 points and 5 rebounds (made all of his nine free throws !!!) and American forward Garlon Green (201-1991, college: TCU, agency: Slash Sports) scored 16 points and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Vichy moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Olympique Antibes dropped to the sixth position with one game lost. They share it with La Rochelle and Orleans. Vichy will meet Nantes (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Antibes will play against Orleans (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Vichy: J.Shepherd 27+2reb+5ast, A.Bouzidi 22+2reb+8ast, I.Ba 10+4reb+1ast, B.Eyaga 10+5reb+2ast, P.Illan 6+1reb+2ast, D.Nseke Ebele 5+3reb
Antibes: S.Bikantchou 21+5reb+3ast, G.Green 16+4reb+4ast, A.Loum 12+1reb+1ast, P.Tape 10+6reb+2ast, J.Mosely 9+4reb+3ast, A.Eito 8+2reb+2ast