Nice is definitely finishing its home season perfectly. Facing Chaumont, the NVB secured its 4th consecutive home victory, although they could have hoped for even better.
The match began with a very contested first set, where neither the Niçois nor the Chaumontais managed to take more than a 2-point lead. In this close contest, it was the NVB who came out on top (26-24).
Slightly timid at the start of the second set, Mladen Kasic’s men eventually dominated the set, finishing with an 8-point lead (25-17).
Securing at least one point in this match, the Niçois could legitimately aspire to total victory and secure 3 precious points to seize a playoff qualification.
Unfortunately, despite a 3-point lead in the 3rd set (19-16), they were caught up and then surpassed (21-25).
The 4th set, entirely in Chaumont’s favor, allowed the champions to equalize and consider victory (18-25).
While they could have won all 3 points, the Niçois were at risk of losing the match at that moment. Nonetheless, drawing on their last reserves, they won the final set, sealing the victory (15-13).
These 2 points move the NVB up in the standings (9th) but almost definitively distance them from the playoff race. Sète, in 8th, has a 3-point lead and also a superior points ratio.
