In a fiercely contested LNB Pro B matchup on June 6, 2026, ÉB Pau-Orthez outlasted Entente Orleanaise 90–85 in a game that swung back and forth until the final minutes. Played at Orleanaise’s home floor, the contest showcased two sides with ambitions of climbing the Pro B standings, and it was the visitors from Pau who delivered the more composed finishing punch.

First Half: Orleanaise Sets the Tempo

Entente Orleanaise came out with energy, using crisp ball movement and aggressive drives to build an early lead. Their backcourt pressed Pau-Orthez into several turnovers, converting them into fast-break points. By the end of the first quarter, Orleanaise held a 24–19 advantage. The second quarter saw Pau-Orthez adjust defensively, closing off driving lanes and forcing tougher shots. However, Orleanaise’s depth kept them ahead at halftime, 45–40.

Second Half: Pau-Orthez’s Defensive Shift

Coming out of the locker room, ÉB Pau-Orthez tightened their defensive rotations and began to dominate the glass. Their big men controlled the paint, limiting Orleanaise to one-and-done possessions. Offensively, Pau-Orthez found rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting four three-pointers in the third quarter to erase the deficit. They outscored Orleanaise 28–18 in the period, taking a 68–63 lead into the final frame.

Clutch Moments Seal the Win

The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with Orleanaise rallying behind their home crowd. They tied the game at 78 with just under five minutes to play. But Pau-Orthez responded with a 9–2 run, highlighted by a steal and transition dunk that swung momentum for good. Orleanaise cut the lead to 88–85 with 30 seconds left, but Pau-Orthez calmly knocked down free throws to secure the 90–85 victory.

Key Performers and Stats

• ÉB Pau-Orthez: Leading scorer – 27 points (shooting 10/18 from the field); team assist total – 19.
• Entente Orleanaise: Top rebounder – 11 boards; three-point shooting – 9/28 (32%).
• Turnovers: Orleanaise 14 – Pau-Orthez 11.

Standings Impact

The victory boosted Pau-Orthez’s record in the tightly packed Pro B standings, keeping them in contention for a playoff spot. Orleanaise, meanwhile, dropped a game behind the leaders and will need to regroup quickly as the regular season enters its decisive phase.

With this win, Pau-Orthez improved to a 4–1 record in head-to-head meetings over the last two seasons.