Cholet (1) will be relieved. Erman Kunter’s team saw a 19-point advantage quickly melt in the second half as Joao Baptista (23 points) and Alex Acker (15 points) were unstoppable and brought Le Mans (8) within 2 points in the dying seconds. In the end, Ben Deware missed the three-pointer for the win and Cholet escaped 77-75. Game 2 will be on Friday in Le Mans.
Meanwhile, Gravelines (4) used some strong defending once again to go 1-0 up in the quarter-final series against Roanne (5). 66-60 the score as Ben Woodside scored 15 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 4 assist. Cyril Akpomedah added 13 points, while Saer Sene registered 8 points and 12 boards. Diabate and Amagou had 12 each in defeat for Roanne.