Nanterre win as JL Bourg stumble in Betclic Elite opener

Nanterre began the Betclic Elite season with a win, while JL Bourg left the opening round without one. The result gives Nanterre an early positive start after last season’s run to the championship semi-finals, whereas Bourg must recover from a defeat despite leading for long periods at Saint-Quentin.

Nanterre beat Elan Béarnais 78-64 after taking control early. The hosts opened with a 12-0 run and led by nine points after the first quarter. Their advantage reached 17 in the second period before they went into halftime 15 points ahead. Pau reduced the deficit to eight at the start of the fourth quarter, but Nanterre responded and kept the visitors at a distance. Xavier Castaneda led the winners with 18 points and seven assists, while Donta Scott added 10.

JL Bourg’s 106-103 loss at Saint-Quentin came after extra time. Bourg led by 10 points in the first quarter and moved 16 ahead in the third, but Saint-Quentin produced a 15-0 start to the final regulation period. Alexandre Gavrilovic’s two free throws with 15 seconds left forced overtime, where Saint-Quentin eventually prevailed. Erick Neal finished with 20 points and 11 assists for Bourg, while Assemian Moularé scored 21. The defeat leaves last season’s EuroCup winners with a losing record after round one.