UF Angers vs Charnay: Quarter-final of surprises for a historic spot
La Boulangère Wonderligue - This Thursday (6:45 PM), UF Angers hosts Charnay in the first leg of the La Boulangère Wonderligue playoff quarter-finals. A matchup between two unexpected clubs at this level, who know each other inside out after two regular season encounters.
Photo Credit : Cécile Thomas
UF Angers – Charnay, Act I: The La Boulangère Wonderligue playoffs begin this Thursday with a clash between two of the season’s biggest surprises. While Charnay finished third and dominated Angers twice this year, UFAB firmly believes in achieving their first playoff upset in front of their home crowd.
Two small budgets, big ambition
Between Charnay and Angers, the matchup challenges financial logic. UFAB, with its limited resources, has completed its best season since promotion to LFB in 2021. Finishing sixth in regular season, Aurélie Bonnan’s players secured their playoff spot over a month early… against Charnay.
Despite two clear losses against the Burgundy team (64-73 and 90-70), Angers believes their time has come. « The season is incredible, whatever happens. But today, we want more, » states Aurélie Bonnan in Ouest-France. After a season where everything seemed to need rebuilding, UFAB surprised everyone, including themselves. Center Joy Adams, an emergency signing, has led a collective that doesn’t want to stop here.
Revenge in the air
For Charnay, confidence is also high. Stéphane Leite’s team, third in standings, had an exemplary regular season, narrowly missing the final four last season. « Angers is a well-built team, » acknowledges the coach in Le Courrier de l’Ouest, « but we’re going there without pressure. »
On the other side, Spanish point guard Laura Mendez speaks of a « best enemy » this season. The objective is clear: « Defend well, set the pace in offense, don’t let them walk over us, » summarizes Axelle Merceron, the only player present since promotion to LFB. For UFAB, after three quarter-final eliminations (each time against Villeneuve-d’Ascq), it’s time to reach a historic milestone.
𝘊𝘯𝘶𝘢 𝘰𝘵𝘦́𝘥𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘯 𝘷𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘴 💥
After a historic season, Charnay’s players (3rd) face a surprising Angers team (6th) in the La Boulangère Wonderligue playoff quarter-finals 🏆@cbbs_basket ⚔️ @ufab49
Match 1️⃣ – Thursday April 17… pic.twitter.com/ge425Wp0rQ
— Sport en France (@sport_en_france) April 16, 2025
First playoff victory in sight
This quarter-final will be played on aggregate score over two games. After Thursday’s first leg at Jean-Bouin, Angers will travel to Charnay on Tuesday, April 22. History is waiting to be written for both clubs. For Angers, this could be a turning point: « Getting through to the semi-finals would be quite exceptional, » hints President Brito De Sousa.
UFAB aims for a historic first. Charnay intends to confirm their consistency. This Thursday evening marks the opening of La Boulangère Wonderligue playoffs with a clash both strategic and symbolic.
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