In a thrilling Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro B contest, Poitiers edged out Rouen 90-88 in a nail-biting finish on April 25, 2026. The game, which began at 02:00, was a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final possession, with Poitiers securing a critical road victory to bolster their playoff aspirations.

A Tightly Contested Affair

Both teams traded blows throughout the first three quarters, with neither able to establish a lead larger than seven points. Rouen used their home-court advantage to fuel an energetic performance, but Poitiers’ experience in clutch situations proved decisive. The fourth quarter saw multiple lead changes, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.

Key Moments and Tactical Breakdown

Poitiers’ defense was the difference-maker in crunch time. After Rouen took an 88-87 lead with under a minute remaining, Poitiers executed a perfect sideline out-of-bounds play, resulting in an open layup to reclaim the lead. Rouen had a chance to win it on their final possession, but Poitiers’ stifling perimeter defense forced a contested three-pointer that fell short.

• Clutch Shooting: Poitiers shot 7-of-10 from the free-throw line in the final two minutes, while Rouen struggled, converting just 3-of-6.
• Turnovers: Rouen’s 14 turnovers contrasted with Poitiers’ seven, a key factor in the visitors’ ability to stay in the game.

Standout Players

Poitiers’ point guard was the engine of the offense, finishing with 24 points and 8 assists, including the game-winning bucket. Rouen’s forward countered with a 28-point, 10-rebound double-double, but his efforts were not enough to overcome Poitiers’ balanced attack, which saw four players score in double figures.

Season and Playoff Implications

The 90-88 victory improves Poitiers’ record to 20-10 in Pro B, keeping them in the top four of the standings as the regular season winds down. Rouen, now 16-14, drops to the middle of the pack, making their path to the postseason more challenging. For Poitiers, this win is a testament to their resilience on the road and their ability to win ugly when needed.

As the league heads into the final weeks, Poitiers has established themselves as a team to watch in the Pro B promotion race, while Rouen must regroup defensively to avoid further slip-ups.