Chalons-Reims vs ÉB Pau-Orthez: Pro B Thriller Decided by One Point
In a pulsating Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro B encounter on May 29, 2026, ÉB Pau-Orthez edged out Chalons-Reims 79-78 in a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. The match, played at the Complexe Sportif René-Tys in Reims, delivered all the drama expected from two sides battling for playoff positioning in France's second-tier basketball league.
Match Overview
The game began at a frantic pace, with both teams trading baskets in the opening quarter. Chalons-Reims, playing on home soil, started strongly and built a narrow lead thanks to efficient perimeter shooting. However, Pau-Orthez responded with disciplined defense and a balanced offensive attack. The scoreline remained tight throughout, with neither side able to establish a double-digit advantage. Entering the fourth quarter, the margin was just three points in favor of the visitors.
Key Moments and Decisive Plays
- Late surge by Pau-Orthez: Trailing by two with under two minutes to go, Pau-Orthez guard Malik Diallo drained a step-back three-pointer to put his team ahead 77-76.
- Chalons-Reims response: Home forward Thomas Bellec answered with a driving layup to reclaim the lead at 78-77, silencing the traveling support.
- Game-winner: With 8.5 seconds left, Pau-Orthez center Lucas Fauré grabbed an offensive rebound and converted a putback, drawing a foul in the process. He missed the free throw, but his basket proved decisive as Chalons-Reims failed to score on the final possession.
Tactical Story
Pau-Orthez focused on controlling the paint, outrebounding Chalons-Reims 38-29. Their interior defense forced the home side into contested mid-range jumpers, while their own offense relied on high pick-and-roll actions. Chalons-Reims struggled with turnovers in the clutch, recording 14 giveaways. Pau-Orthez capitalized with 18 points off turnovers.
Standout Players
For the winners, Malik Diallo finished with 22 points and 6 assists, showcasing his clutch gene. Lucas Fauré contributed a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. On the losing side, Thomas Bellec led all scorers with 24 points but lacked support in the final minutes.
Table and Season Impact
The victory improved Pau-Orthez's record to 18-10, keeping them in the top four of the Pro B standings. Chalons-Reims dropped to 16-12, still in playoff contention but now needing a strong finish to secure home-court advantage in the first round. This head-to-head result could prove vital when tiebreakers are calculated later in the season.