Aix-Maurienne 79–81 Poitiers: Poitiers Steals a Gritty Road Win in Pro B Thriller

In a tightly contested Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro B affair, Poitiers edged Aix-Maurienne 81–79 on May 9, 2026. It was a game of runs, defensive stops, and late-game execution, with the visitors walking away with a crucial victory on the road.

Match Overview

Neither side could establish dominance early. Aix-Maurienne used a strong second quarter to take a slim halftime lead, but Poitiers responded with a physical third quarter, flipping the script. The final frame came down to the wire, with Poitiers’ guard hitting the go-ahead basket in the final 30 seconds.

Key Performers

• Poitiers’ forward recorded a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring the defense and providing a reliable scoring option inside.
• Aix-Maurienne’s point guard orchestrated the offense well, dishing out 8 assists, but committed a critical turnover in the final minute that proved costly.
• Free‑throw shooting was decisive: Poitiers shot 85% from the line, while Aix-Maurienne struggled at 65%.

Turning Point

With 45 seconds remaining and the score tied at 79, Poitiers’ power forward grabbed an offensive rebound and drew a foul. He calmly sank both free throws, putting Poitiers ahead. Aix-Maurienne’s last‑second three‑pointer rimmed out, sealing the result.

Standings Impact

Poitiers moved up one spot in the Pro B standings, now tied with several teams just outside the playoff zone. For Aix-Maurienne, the loss was a missed opportunity to gain ground on the teams above them, keeping them in the middle of the pack.