Nanterre 78, ÉB Pau-Orthez 64 — Nanterre delivered a commanding 78-64 home victory over ÉB Pau-Orthez in Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro A on September 27, 2026, using a balanced attack and stifling defense to pull away in the second quarter and never look back.

Nanterre control Pau-Orthez at home

The home side set the tone early with aggressive perimeter defense and quick transition baskets. Pau-Orthez struggled to find rhythm against Nanterre’s switching schemes, and the visitors’ shooting woes allowed Nanterre to build a double-digit lead by halftime. The win boosts Nanterre’s early-season positioning in the LNB Pro A standings and hands Pau-Orthez another difficult road result.

Match overview and quarter-by-quarter flow

Nanterre opened with a 22-16 first quarter, fueled by three-point shooting and offensive rebounds. The second quarter was the turning point: Nanterre outscored Pau-Orthez 18-14, extending the lead through defensive stops and efficient half-court execution. Pau-Orthez tried to respond after the break, but Nanterre’s bench maintained the intensity, keeping the margin comfortable.

The third and fourth quarters were relatively even, with Nanterre matching every Pau-Orthez run. The home side’s ability to control the defensive glass and limit second-chance points proved decisive. Pau-Orthez never got closer than 10 points in the final period.

Key moments

• Second-quarter run: Nanterre used a 12-3 spurt to break open a close game.
• Defensive stands: Back-to-back steals led to easy transition points.
• Bench production: Nanterre’s reserves outscored Pau-Orthez’s bench, extending the lead in the third.

Tactical story

Nanterre’s game plan centered on ball pressure and forcing Pau-Orthez into late-shot-clock situations. The visitors relied heavily on isolation plays, which played into Nanterre’s help defense. Offensively, Nanterre shared the ball well, recording 20 assists on 28 made field goals. Their inside-out attack created open looks from beyond the arc and kept Pau-Orthez’s big men in constant rotation.

Pau-Orthez’s struggles from the free-throw line and beyond the arc compounded their problems. They shot under 40% from the field and never established a consistent post presence.

Standout players

Nanterre’s leading scorer finished with 18 points, while their power forward added 14 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. The point guard contributed 12 points and 8 assists, orchestrating the offense. Pau-Orthez’s top scorer had 16 points, but he received limited support; their second-leading scorer managed 11. Nanterre’s defensive anchor also blocked three shots and altered several others.

Standings and season impact

The victory lifts Nanterre in the LNB Pro A standings and reinforces their home-court advantage. For ÉB Pau-Orthez, the loss highlights the need for more consistent perimeter shooting and better ball movement on the road. With the season still in its early stages, both teams have time to adjust, but Nanterre’s balanced performance sends a clear message to the rest of the league.

Nanterre will look to carry this defensive intensity into their next fixture, while Pau-Orthez returns home aiming to reset their offensive rhythm.