Cholet asserts itself as championship runner-up in ELITE Prospects
By defeating a strong Monaco team with authority (97-82), the Gautier Academy Cholet Basket prospects team made a show of force. This seventh consecutive win gives them a two-game lead over third-placed Dijon and keeps the pressure on JL Bourg, who remain league leaders after their victory against defending champions Nancy.
A victory of character
In this top-of-the-table clash, Monaco, riding a seven-game winning streak, tried to impose their rhythm from the start. Koita (9 points in 3 minutes) and his teammates quickly took the lead (2-7, 3rd). But Cholet’s response came swiftly. Led by an inspired Lefort from long range, the Maugeois team managed to take the lead at halftime (45-42).
After the break, Monaco intensified their pressure, regaining control of the game (63-69, 30th). But Régis Boissié’s players kept their composure. Aaron Towo-Nansi (22 points, 7 assists) sparked the comeback with several spectacular plays. Lefort and Valakou hit consecutive three-pointers, allowing Cholet to retake the lead and pull away in the final minutes.
Les Espoirs de CB s’imposent sans trembler à la Meilleraie face à Monaco!💪#ASMCB #CBFAMILY #ESPOIRSBetclicELITE #ACADEMIEGAUTIERCB@GautierFrance pic.twitter.com/IELx5VECpY
— Cholet Basket (@CB_officiel) March 1, 2025
An impressive momentum
Beyond the victory, Cholet regained the point differential advantage over Monaco, an additional asset for the final sprint. « We needed a lot of resilience, as we were impacted by this very strong team, but even when things got tough, we stayed determined, » coach Régis Boissié told Ouest-France after the game.
This success consolidates Cholet’s second place in the ELITE Prospects championship with a record of 15 wins and 4 losses, while Monaco, with 13 wins and 7 losses, drops from the podium. A successful performance showing that Cholet is ready to play a leading role until the end of the season.
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