ÉB Pau-Orthez 72–62 J.A. Vichy‑Clermont | LNB Pro B | 10 May 2026

ÉB Pau-Orthez kept their postseason push firmly on track with a hard-fought 72–62 victory over J.A. Vichy‑Clermont at the Palais des Sports de Pau on Sunday night. The home side used a stifling defensive effort in the second half to turn a tight contest into a double-digit win, improving their record as the Pro B regular season enters its decisive final weeks.

Match overview

Both teams entered the game knowing that every possession carried weight in a crowded mid-table battle. Pau-Orthez, playing in front of their passionate supporters, started strongly and led 38–34 at the break. The third quarter proved decisive: Pau held Vichy‑Clermont to just 11 points while stretching their own lead to 13 heading into the final stanza. The visitors could not find an offensive rhythm, shooting only 38% from the field and committing 14 turnovers.

Key performers

Pau-Orthez’s victory was built on balanced scoring and relentless energy on the boards. Forward Mathieu Boyer led all scorers with 18 points and added 7 rebounds, while guard Jalen Harris contributed 14 points and 6 assists, orchestrating the offense with composure down the stretch. For Vichy‑Clermont, Sekou Doumbouya posted a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, but received little support from his teammates beyond small forward Tristan Cétout, who chipped in 12.

Tactical story

The game was defined by Pau-Orthez’s ability to control the paint. They outscored Vichy‑Clermont 40–28 in the lane and collected 14 offensive rebounds, leading to 17 second-chance points. Vichy‑Clermont, usually a strong three-point shooting team, connected on just 5 of 22 attempts from beyond the arc (22.7%), a major factor in their inability to close the gap.

Standings impact

With this win, Pau-Orthez moves into a tie for sixth place in the Pro B standings, strengthening their grip on a playoff berth. Vichy‑Clermont, meanwhile, drops to tenth, but remains within striking distance of the top eight with several games remaining. The return fixture later this month could prove critical for both sides.