Who will be the first to stop Paris? The capital team has achieved a fourth victory in as many matches on Saturday in the Betclic Elite. And the score was once again heavy as Limoges, at Beaublanc, lost by 18 points (83-65).
However, the Parisians did not shine in attack, and even experienced some weak moments, unlike the scenario of the lesson inflicted on Le Mans on Wednesday, in the previous round (112-71).
But defense is the deadly weapon of this team. The CSP was limited in its offensive expression, especially inside, outclassed in rebounds (49-25), and overwhelmed between the first and second quarters, going four minutes without scoring (44-28 at halftime).
Despite the poor shooting of their opponent (6 out of 25 from three points), Limoges could not turn the tide after the break, even conceding a twenty-four point deficit (52-28).
The CSP slightly freed itself from the vice grip in the fourth quarter and Beaublanc regained hope with five minutes left when their team finally managed to approach the Parisian basket (69-55). But with 21 offensive rebounds conceded, Nicolas Lang’s teammates (16 points) could not hope to trouble a team that has scored at least 16 points against its four opponents since the start of the season.
Despite an average shooting percentage (7 out of 17), the US point guard TJ Shorts (1.75 m) set the tone again for Paris, with nine assists and no turnovers.
The CSP suffers its second home defeat but has faced two tough opponents (Monaco, Paris) and maintains a balanced record (two away victories). Paris, on the other hand, is still awaiting its master, while Asvel and Monaco, also undefeated like Cholet (with one game less), will have their first match on Sunday, in Villeurbanne.
