Flammes Carolo return to EuroLeague group stage

Charleville-Mézières have secured a place in the EuroLeague group stage for only the second time in club history. The Flammes Carolo last reached the competition in 2018 and will now join Bourges and Basket Landes as France’s representatives this season. Their group will include Prague, Lublin and fellow French side Bourges.

The French team earned qualification with a commanding 81-55 win at Venice in the playoff final. Third in last season’s French regular-season standings, Charleville-Mézières overcame an Italian opponent that had reached the quarter-finals of the previous EuroLeague edition. The result also extended the club’s campaign beyond the qualifying round and into the main competition.

The victory was built on defensive control. The Flammes Carolo forced 10 turnovers and produced three blocks, while Venice managed only seven points in the second quarter and nine in the third. Charleville-Mézières led 37-27 at half-time, then moved 24 points ahead before the final period and finished 26 points clear.

Coline Franchelin led the French side’s contribution with 16 points, six assists and five rebounds, including two on the offensive glass. Her performance helped complete a decisive qualification win and confirmed Charleville-Mézières among Europe’s leading club competition field.