“Live or Die: Pau vs Nancy Match Determines Fate in Pro B”

Tonight is the Big Day, expected but not really desired: a “Live or die” match between Pau and Nancy, which has the same number of victories (11). The loser will have a good footing in Pro B.

“Yes, the stake is capital, determining for the maintenance. Even if there will be two games behind, we must not be afraid to say it, it is essential. We have to take this game. We have our destiny in our hands. »

The observation of the Pau coach, Eric Bartecheky for South Westwas clear and again, it dates from before the victories last night of Blois over Paris and Fos over Cholet which further complicate the situation for the two belligerents.

“Very frankly, if we don’t take this match, it will be very complicated. If we only look at the duel against the Nancéiens, they would have to lose their last two games, knowing that they will receive Fos before finishing in Gravelines, and that on our side we would win in Strasbourg and against Cholet. I obviously prefer not to have to consider this scenario. And there are a lot of other assumptions, which will only be favorable to us if we win at least two of the last three games. And they do not only concern Nancy and Pau, but also Blois and even Limoges. This can lead to a crazy scenario at the end with several teams getting tied. But let us concentrate on our task. Our horizon is Nancy, let’s look no further. »

His colleague from SLUC Nancy, Sylvain Lautié, in The Republican Eastis a little less categorical, no doubt, to remove some pressure from this match, which is being played on opposing soil.

“Personally, I continue to believe that the maintenance will be decided until the last day. We have one goal: to win two matches out of three! Of course, the sooner we win them, the better. On these three matches that remain, we must be strong on specific points: to be homogeneous, constant and not to leave easy baskets ”.

In the first leg, SLUC won by seven points (88-81). This time, Elan Béarnais will have six thousand fans to support him and his pivot Vitalis Chikoko who he missed so much in Lorraine.

Photo: Jacques Cormarèche