Alliance Sport Alsace 80–81 Entente Orléanaise – LNB Pro B, 16 May 2026

In a tense, back‑and‑forth battle at the Salle Polyvalente de l’Ill, Entente Orléanaise snatched a dramatic 81‑80 road victory over Alliance Sport Alsace on Saturday night. The visitors overcame a late deficit and a raucous home crowd to keep their playoff hopes alive in Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro B.

Match Overview

The contest was a classic contrast of styles. Alsace, playing with the energy of a team fighting for home‑court advantage in the postseason, led for most of the second half. However, Orléans’ veteran composure and clutch shooting in the final minutes proved decisive. The lead changed hands eight times in the fourth quarter alone, culminating in a game‑winning jumper by Orléans’ guard with 3.1 seconds left on the clock.

Key Moments

• First Quarter: Alsace jumped out to an early 22‑18 lead behind sharp three‑point shooting from their wing players. Orléans struggled to contain the home team’s transition offense.
• Second Quarter: Orléans tightened defensively, forcing five turnovers and cutting the margin to 42‑41 at halftime. Their center dominated the boards with seven first‑half rebounds.
• Third Quarter: Alsace rebuilt a seven‑point lead (65‑58) thanks to a 10‑0 run sparked by a steal and dunk. Orléans called timeout and responded with a 9‑2 spurt to pull within one.
• Fourth Quarter: With the score tied at 78, both teams exchanged baskets. Alsace’s point guard missed a floater with 10 seconds left; Orléans pushed the ball and found an open shooter for the game‑winner.

Tactical Story

Orléans’ defensive adjustment after halftime was the tactical turning point. They switched to a 2‑3 zone that slowed Alsace’s dribble penetration and forced contested jumpers. Offensively, Orléans exploited mismatches in the pick‑and‑roll, getting their big man rolling to the rim for easy finishes. Alsace, reliant on perimeter creation, shot just 3‑of‑14 from deep in the second half.

Standout Players

• Entente Orléanaise: The leading scorer (22 points) hit the game‑winner and added six assists. Their center posted a double‑double (14 points, 13 rebounds), dominating the glass on both ends.
• Alliance Sport Alsace: Two home players reached 18 points each, but both struggled from the field in the final frame. The team’s leading rebounder (10 boards) fouled out with two minutes left, a critical loss.

Table Impact

The victory lifted Orléans to 18‑14 and into a tie for the final playoff spot with three games remaining. Alsace fell to 19‑13, dropping to seventh place. With the regular season winding down, every result carries immense weight in the LNB Pro B standings.