French Pro A: big wins at the top

Chalon, Nanterre, and Strasbourg closed the gap on Monaco at the top of the French Pro A on Tuesday, thanks to the league leaders losing in a shock defeat. It was an important Round 32 of the Regular Season. However, despite the loss, with just two rounds to go, Monaco is guaranteed to head to the Play-Offs as Regular Season champ.

The principality club has too many winning games on a 28-4 record, with nearest rival Chalon on 25-7. Importantly, Round 32 of the French Pro A has shown Monaco is vulnerable and the Play-Offs will be wide open.

Cholet vs. Monaco, 81-75

Monaco slipped to just its fourth defeat of the domestic season as Cholet put in a big performance. The mid-table club (13-19) looked solid throughout, including a 20-14 run in the first quarter. The title chasers of Monaco hit back in the second frame with a 17-13 stretch. The game was back and forth, but the hosts settled it with a huge 30-25 winning fourth act.

Chalon vs. Gravelines-Dunkerque, 89-76

Chalon continued to be Monaco’s nearest challenger thanks to a cruising home win over Gravelines. The hosts controlled extended periods of the contest, partly due to solid throwing from three-point distance. Chalon drained 13 from downtown on a 56.5 percent accuracy. The winners were hot from the field in general, nailing 61.5 percent of its efforts. John Roberson drained 24 points in the win, while Moustapha Fall claimed a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.

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Nanterre vs. Toulon, 88-65

Nanterre thrashed Toulon at home to maintain its push towards the French Pro A Play-Offs. As the score suggests, the hosts dominated the visitors, despite Toulon managing to win the fourth quarter 16-23. That shows how much of a force Nanterre was through the opening thirty minutes. The winners dished out an impressive 22 assists in an all-action offensive display.

Strasbourg vs. Orleans, 92-89

Strasbourg was pushed all the way by Entente Orleans, but edged to victory to ensure the top four in the standings won this round. 26 was a magic number in success as Strasbourg forced 26 turnovers and the visitors were ill-disciplined with 26 personal fouls. Former Real Madrid man, AJ Slaughter, paced the win with 20 points.