FIBA Europe Cup runners-up Elan Chalon hone in on French title
CHALON-SUR-SAONE (LNB Pro A) - Elan Chalon couldn't swing luck their way in the FIBA Europe Cup title-decider, but have now put themselves within striking distance of the LNB Pro A crown in France.
On Wednesday, Jean-Denys Choulet's side capped a 3-1 series win in the Semi-Finals against post-season darlings Paris-Levallois, who had knocked out Nanterre 92 a round earlier.
"No matter if we play Strasbourg or ASVEL, we will not be in the Finals just to make up the numbers."Jean-Denys Choulet
After close single-digit encounters in all previous games of the tie, Elan Chalon steamrolled their opponents in Game 4 with a dominant 82-55 victory away from home in the French capital, with John Roberson dropping another classic 27-point performance.
C'est terminé ! @ELANCHALON remporte la série 3-1 face au @ParisLevallois1 et jouera les #FinalesLNB à partir de mardi prochain #PlayoffsLNB pic.twitter.com/8bvGkgM4WL
— LNB (@LNBofficiel) June 7, 2017
"We controlled the game almost from start to finish. We did what we wanted on the defensive end. Everyone talks about our offense, but we allowed just 55 points today. Defense isn't exactly our calling card, but we can play some from time-to-time," smiled coach Choulet.
In spite of finishing second in the Regular Season, Elan Chalon stayed in their lane and avoided big statements before the inevitable unpredictability of the Pro A Play-Offs.
However, with defending champions and run-away Regular Season winners AS Monaco and FIBA Europe Cup victors Nanterre eliminated already in the Quarter-Finals, the path to the trophy all of a sudden seems a lot more within reach.
"We are really happy to be in the Finals. We aren't a big team and we have had an inspirational season. Who could have predicted it? I myself would have never imagined it," the playcaller reflected to French sport daily L'
"Our home court advantage will be really important, as we haven't lost on our court since March."Jean-Denys Choulet
With the series between SIG Strasbourg and ASVEL on the other side of the bracket knotted up at 2-2, Elan Chalon will find out their opponents after the decisive Game 5 in Strasbourg on Friday.
"Now, no matter if we play Strasbourg or ASVEL, we will not be in the Finals just to make up the numbers," promised coach Choulet, who already has one French championship title to his name after a 2007 triumph with Roanne.
"The players can smell blood. After what they have already achieved, they really believe they can do it. Our home court advantage will be really important, as we haven't lost on our court since March."
FIBA
