The Antibes Sharks are heading to the Paris region to face Paris-Levallois this Saturday (8 pm). Julien Espinosa’s men will be seeking a third away win, fifteen days after their victory in Nancy.
The trip to Nancy and the win in Lorraine was a breath of fresh air for Antibes. Struggling away from home, they achieved their second success this season away from their base, a little over four months after their first victory against the bottom team, Le Havre. Antibes also put an end to four defeats in five matches.
They challenged Strasbourg
Last Saturday, the Sharks stood up to the currently trending French team, Strasbourg, which this week qualified for the Eurocup semi-finals (second European level). Despite an 18-point deficit before halftime, the Azuréens gradually made up ground to lose by just 6 points (79-85). As in the past two seasons, Antibes will again rely on their unstoppable American duo, with Tim Blue, the top scorer in Pro A (17.9 points per game), and Will Solomon. Noteworthy are the returns to form of Paul Carter, sharp from long distance, and Moustapha Fall, with his height of 2.18 meters.
Almost secured their place
In Ligue 1, it’s often said that reaching 42 points is needed for safety. The average, in Pro A, in recent seasons is 11 or 12 wins. With 11 victories in 24 matches, they need just one more win to officially remain among the elite of French basketball. An openly acknowledged goal set by both President Frédéric Jouve and coach Julien Espinosa, who even aimed at the play-offs at one point (4 wins behind the 8th with 10 games to go).
PL is breathing a little easier
The capital’s club ended a series of three consecutive defeats last week. Frédéric Fauthoux’s men cruised to victory in Le Havre (98-65). A win that could give a bit of confidence to the 16th place holders (3 wins ahead of the relegation zone). PL hasn’t won at home since last February 6th, which was against CSP Limoges. For the game against Antibes, the Parisians will see the return of Éric Dawson. The US center is back after eight weeks off the courts. A constant in Paris-Levallois’s victories: shooting success well above 50% (60% against Le Havre, 54% in Rouen, and 62% against Limoges). Tonight, they will rely on their strong axis 1-3-5 with Roberson-Ndoye-Labeyrie (+ Dawson).
