Starting with the management of the workforce since the Gardonnais had only made the trip to Deux-Sèvres with eight players. However, they are the ones who will race in the lead during the first period, against the Niortais who seemed to have their heads upside down, with a seven-point lead at the break. Just enough time for AS Niort players to find their true face. The second act will be of a completely different ilk.
Both teams will quickly find their rhythm early in the game. Especially Gardonne, moreover (8-15). Nothing is simple in this match for the Niortais. It was thanks to a distant basket from Gara that they only turned one point behind (16-17, 10th). He and the Gardonnais Mbaitoubam will play the leading roles and the two teams remain close (22-23). Gudic’s 15 points in the first period allow ESG to make a small gap at the break (32-39).
