Montpellier Faces Uphill Battle After Euroleague Quarterfinal loss
Despite a valiant effort, Lattes-Montpellier suffered a significant setback in their Euroleague quarterfinal debut, falling to Sopron 60-42 in Hungary on Tuesday. While the loss puts them in a challenging position, the Héraultaises remain hopeful of advancing. They will host Sopron for the return match on Thursday, and if victorious, will travel back to Hungary for a decisive third game on March 16th.
Sopron, a team with a strong euroleague pedigree, including a 2018 finals appearance and semi-final runs in 2019 and 2021, proved to be a formidable opponent. After a closely contested first quarter, which ended 16-12 in Sopron’s favor, Lattes-Montpellier gradually fell behind. By halftime,the score stood at 36-22,reflecting Sopron’s dominance.
The second half saw Sopron maintain their control, extending their led to as much as 19 points. Jelena Brooks and Bernadett Hatar led the Hungarian charge, combining for 32 points and 18 rebounds.
For Lattes-Montpellier, Mamignan Touré emerged as the leading scorer with 13 points. However, star player Olivia Epoupa, typically a driving force for the team, was effectively neutralized by Sopron’s defense, managing only three points and three assists.
This marks Lattes-Montpellier’s first foray into the Euroleague quarterfinals. two years ago, they reached this stage but where unable to compete due to the cancellation of the competition caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.The last French club to reach the Women’s Euroleague Final Four was Bourges in 2014,highlighting the significance of Lattes-Montpellier’s achievement in reaching this stage.
Can Lattes-Montpellier Stage a Comeback Against Euroleague Giants Sopron?
We’re joined today by former WNBA star and Euroleague champion, Lisa Leslie, to discuss the challenging situation facing Montpellier after their Euroleague quarterfinal frist leg loss to powerhouse Sopron. Welcome, Lisa!
Lisa Leslie: Thanks for having me! It’s always exciting to talk Euroleague, especially with such a compelling matchup.
moderator: It certainly is! Montpellier put up a good fight initially, but Sopron ultimately exerted their dominance. What are your thoughts on the game and the 18-point deficit Montpellier faces?
Lisa Leslie: Sopron’s experiance showed. They’ve been on this stage consistently, and that confidence is palpable. While Montpellier showed flashes of brilliance, their lack of playoff experience at this level was evident. They need to find a way to regain composure and execute their game plan under pressure. Overcoming an 18-point deficit is a tall order, but it’s not unachievable.
Moderator: Absolutely. Montpellier’s star player, olivia Epoupa, was tightly contained by Sopron’s defense, a key factor in the loss. How crucial will it be for Montpellier to find ways to unlock her potential in the return leg?
Lisa Leslie: Crucial is an understatement. epoupa is the engine that drives Montpellier’s offense. She needs to find her rhythm, and her teammates need to step up and create opportunities for her. Sopron will undoubtedly focus on containing her again, so Montpellier needs to use creative plays and utilize their bench strength to keep the defense guessing.
Moderator: Speaking of bench strength, Jelena Brooks and Bernadett Hatar were dominant for Sopron. can Montpellier do anything to slow them down in the second leg?
Lisa Leslie: brooks and Hatar are a formidable duo. Montpellier need to be physical, aggressive on rebounds, and force them into tough shots. They also need to exploit any potential mismatches and capitalize on Sopron’s potential weaknesses. it’s a chess match now, and Montpellier must adjust their strategy accordingly.
Moderator: This is Montpellier’s first appearance in the Euroleague quarterfinals. Do you think this experience, regardless of the outcome, will benefit them in the long run?
Lisa Leslie: Absolutely. Every game at this level is a learning prospect. Facing a team like Sopron, pushing them on home court, that’s invaluable experience.This young team needs to pull positives from this, analyze their mistakes, and come back stronger next season. Regardless of the outcome, they’ve already achieved something special.
Moderator: Lisa, what’s your prediction for the return leg? Can Montpellier pull off a remarkable comeback?
Lisa Leslie: Sopron are the favorites, no doubt about it. But I wouldn’t write off Montpellier just yet. They have the talent and the determination to make this a series.They’ll need everything to go their way, a home crowd advantage, and some luck. It’s going to be a thrilling game!
Moderator: Excellent insights, Lisa! Thank you so much for your time and expertise.
now we want to hear from you, our readers! Can Montpellier overcome this challenge and force a third game? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
