Nantes vs. Blois
BLOIS, France (Interstat) — The French LNB Pro B regular season concludes Sunday with a pivotal matchup as the Blois hosts Nantes at Palais des Sports, with both teams jostling for postseason positioning.
Blois (29-15) enters on a high after a 84-81 road win Wednesday at Nantes, avenging a 83-73 loss at home three days earlier. Talis Soulhac, a guard, was instrumental in that victory, logging a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds while adding four assists. Over his last five games, Soulhac has averaged 12.0 points, 4.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds, including a 17-point, five-assist outing May 9 against La Rochelle.
Nantes (26-18) split its most recent back-to-back set with Blois, dropping Wednesday’s contest after winning Sunday’s road game. Forward Jean-Fabrice Dossou has been a consistent contributor, posting 16 points, six rebounds and two blocks in the May 27 loss, following a 10-point, five-rebound effort in the May 24 win. In five games this month, Dossou is averaging 11.8 points and 7.2 rebounds, with a season-best 18-point, nine-rebound performance May 19 against La Rochelle.
The head-to-head series this season has been tight, with each team winning twice. Blois took a 105-99 home win March 13, while Nantes won 91-77 at home Jan. 16. The teams have split the two most recent meetings at Palais des Sports.
Blois has won five of its last six games overall, with the lone defeat coming to Nantes. The home side’s balanced attack includes guard Timothe Vergiat, who scored 23 points in Wednesday’s win, and center Romuald Morency, who added 16 points and five rebounds.
Nantes, meanwhile, has won four of its last six, with losses only to Blois. Point guards Kyle Riddley and Bubu Palo combined for 19 points and 10 assists in the May 27 defeat. The team’s offense has been potent, scoring at least 82 points in four of its last five outings.
Tipoff is set for Sunday at Palais des Sports. The game will determine final playoff seeding for both clubs.