The three-point buzzer shot of Will Cummings, the American from Boulogne-Levallois voted best player in the championship, at the end of the first two quarters, had helped to maintain hope in this match 2 of the quarter-finals between the Metropolitans and Pau-Lacq-Orthez.
But despite a reaction to the return from the locker room and even a passage in front of the scoreboard, Vincent Collet's men were beaten in match 2 of the quarter-finals of BetClic Élite.
They are now eliminated.
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Three days after a logical defeat in match 1 (77-94), marked in particular by the presentation of the trophies for best player (Will Cummings) and best coach (Vincent Collet) before the meeting, victory was indeed imperative for s offer a decisive match, this Monday, in its sports hall Marcel-Cerdan.
A first since 2006 for Pau-Lacq-Orthez
On Wednesday, the Ile-de-France team, although the best attack in the championship, had broken its teeth on a well-grouped Pau defense.
With his American leader Will Cummings at only 11 points, far from his usual standards.
Opposite, Justin Bibbins (24 points) and Gregor Hrovat (17 points) had themselves pulled out all the stops. This Saturday, she also failed to regain her offensive power and proved too friable defensively.
End of season in #BetclicElite for the @Metropolitans92 who lost in this game 2 of the #quarterfinals of #Playoffs against @EBPLO.
📊 Match stats: https://t.co/jPj39TviAf#GoMets92 #Metropolitans92 pic.twitter.com/gKcEqRyPxi
— Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 (@Metropolitans92) May 28, 2022
This elimination at the gates of the semi-finals is a huge disappointment for the Ile-de-France, who finished third in the regular season of BetClic Élite after having occupied the lead for a long time.
Vincent Collet's men therefore legitimately had the status of favorite against Pau-Lacq-Orthez, sixth and back in the semi-finals for the first time since 2006.
An opponent who can still write his story a little more after winning the Coupe de France a few weeks ago, against Strasbourg (95-86).
