An unexpected result stole the spotlight in the beginning of the 22nd round of the French Basketball League. On Saturday evening, Le Portel stunned Pau-Ortez at home (75-69) and handed the visitors their seventh loss in the season.
The hosts cruised to the victory thanks to a 27-15 run in the third quarter. Following a close first half (36-37), Le Portel played at high standards (63-52) and claimed a big win.
Four players scored in double figures for the winners, with O.D Anosike posting a team-high 18 points.
Mickey McConnell had a game-high 26 points (on 7/10 shooting) for the losing squad. C.J Harris added 16 points, six assists and five rebounds.
Le Portel improved to 7-15 in the standings, whereas Pau-Ortez dropped to 14-7.
Le Portel snapped a four-game losing streak, but are still within the relegation zone, currently tied with Fos-sur-Mer. They also are two victories ahead of Antibes, which is on the bottom of the table (5-17).
On the other hand, Pau-Ortez suffered a painful defeat on the road. They are currently chasing league leaders ASVEL Villeurbanne.
Pau-Ortez are two wins behind ASVEL (14-7 to 16-5), with 13 rounds to go in the regular season, while they still have the upper hand in the battle of second place over Nanterre (14-8).
Pau-Ortez wants to return to the top of the French League for the first time since 2004.
