> The essential
Fourcade still out, with Chavoutier diminished by an injury to the left thigh (which explains, for example, his two missed lay-ups in the 1st half) and without using his new American, Patterson, not yet in rhythm, Colomiers was all the same a level above Orthez.
If, halfway through the championship, USC remains tenth, it has the same number of points as Le Poinçonnet (7th) and three lengths ahead of Orthez, the first relegation. Sixth place seems accessible during the return phase.
> The encounter
The weeks go by and the beginnings of Columérines matches are similar. As against Limoges they started softly (0-9, 3rd). Sow, under the circle, and Périssé, at 3 points, begin their awakening (7-9, 5th). They take the advantage on a strong time from Vérin (16-13, 8th) and, despite Diakité, remain in the lead until the end of the 1st quarter (20-16).
All-terrain defense, Sow demarcated under the circle, skillful Dufour at 3 points, solidity in defense: Colomiers has the ingredients to escape (27-18, 13th). But the Columérines lose several balloons in attack and, like Orthez with Limousin and Foisse is skillful at 3 points, collects a 10-0. The visitors come back in front (27-28, 17th). Chavoutier, at the end of the counterattack, quickly gave the advantage to Colomiers (29-28, 18th) who, with Vérin in verve, finished the half best (36-30, 20th).
Orthez threatening (38-35, 24th), it is Chavoutier (6 points and an assist in 2 minutes) who pushes him back (47-35, 26th). The locals keep this lead to tackle the fourth period (56-43, 30th) that the Béarnaises start with a bang (56-49, 33rd). With Sow, solid, Vérin, twirling, and Stjepanovic, aggressive (8 of 8 throws in the end, 4 of 4 in the 4th quarter), simultaneously on the ground, Colomiers crushes Orthez under the two circles. There is only one team on the field until the final buzzer.
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