In a heart-stopping finish, Marie Pardon sank a game-winning shot with just 17 seconds left on the clock, securing the French championship for Basket Landes. Her crucial basket came after a game where scoring was challenging for both teams, with limited success from the field and a particularly low three-point percentage.
Despite the pressure, Basket Landes showed incredible determination and enthusiasm. Leïla Lacan, the regular season MVP, was instrumental in the final, leading her team with 19 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals, contributing significantly to their overall team evaluation. Lacan is set to join the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA and is expected to be a key player for the French national team at the upcoming World Cup.
The early part of the game saw Bourges take an initial lead, but Basket Landes quickly responded with an 8-0 run. The first quarter ended in a tie, highlighting the tight contest and the defensive intensity from both sides. The low-scoring first half, with only 12 points scored by each team in the second quarter, reflected the physical play and strong defense, resulting in a halftime score of 27-27. Both teams struggled with shooting percentages, but Bourges managed to stay competitive thanks to their 11-of-12 performance from the free-throw line.
The second half continued the intense battle. Marie-Paule Dally hit the first three-pointer for Basket Landes in the 34th minute, adding to the growing tension. While offensive sequences were often marred by turnovers, defensive plays were exceptional. Bourges managed a slight lead in the 30th minute, up 40-36. In the final minutes, Leïla Lacan tied the game with a “2+1” play, and after Bourges regained a four-point lead, Basket Landes fought back. With just over a minute remaining, Lacan and Marjunatu Musa brought Basket Landes level again at 48-48. Lacan’s clutch performance in the closing moments, including an interception and a crucial assist to Marie Pardon, ultimately sealed the victory.
Basket Landes secured their third French championship title, with the final series scores being: Bourges 67-49 Basket Landes (Match 1), Basket Landes 59-54 Bourges (Match 2), and Basket Landes 53-50 Bourges (Match 3).
Most Decorated Clubs:
- TANGO BOURGES BASKET: 15 titles
- CLERMONT U.C.: 13 titles
- PARIS U.C.: 7 titles
- US VALENCIENNES OLYMPIC: 7 titles
- STADE FRANCAIS: 6 titles
- C.S CHATEAU THIERRY, B.A.C MIRANDE, and CHALLES BASKET: 3 titles each
- A.S MONTFERRAND: 3 titles
- BASKET LANDES: 3 titles
English Translation:
With just 17 seconds left on the clock, Marie Pardon delivered the championship-winning shot for Basket Landes, electrifying the arena, the city, and the region. This came after a game where offensive execution was a struggle for both sides, marked by low field goal percentages and a particularly poor performance from beyond the arc.
Despite the high stakes, the players were visibly affected, demonstrating limited shooting success. However, their will and enthusiasm were undeniable. Leïla Lacan, the regular season MVP, proved to be the finals MVP as well, contributing 19 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals, accounting for 22 of her team’s 61 evaluation points. Lacan is set to join the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA and is expected to be a leading figure for the French national team in the World Cup.
The atmosphere was palpable as the game began. Bourges initially took control, but Basket Landes quickly shifted the momentum with an 8-0 run. The first quarter concluded in a deadlock, reflecting the intense defensive efforts from both teams. The second quarter saw very little scoring from either side, with only 12 points added by each team, leading to a halftime score of 27-27. The overall shooting accuracy was low, with Basket Landes at 31% and Bourges at 28%. Much of Bourges’ ability to stay competitive in this low-scoring affair was due to their strong 11-of-12 performance from the free-throw line.
The second half continued as a hard-fought battle. Marie-Paule Dally finally hit the first three-pointer for her team in the 34th minute. The intensity grew, with Laétitia Guapo excelling in physically demanding plays. The players seemed somewhat inhibited, and the most notable sequences were often defensive, with few fouls called. Bourges did manage to build a small lead by the 30th minute, up 40-36.
Young Inès Pitarch-Granel, at 20 years old, was prominent in the action. The game was characterized by significant offensive inefficiency and numerous back-and-forth possessions without scores, making it one of the less aesthetically pleasing games of the year. With just 3 minutes and 56 seconds remaining, Leïla Lacan tied the score at 44 with a “2+1” play. However, following a drive by Alix Duchet, Bourges regained a four-point advantage at 48-44 with 2 minutes and 10 seconds left on the clock.
With just 1 minute and 7 seconds left, Basket Landes, through Leïla Lacan and Marjunatu Musa, managed to level the score again at 48-48. Leïla Lacan showcased her class in the crucial final moments, making an interception and then delivering an assist to Marie Pardon for the decisive basket.
The full box score is available HERE.
Series Scores:
- Match 1: Bourges* defeated Basket Landes 67-49
- Match 2: Basket Landes* defeated Bourges 59-54
- Match 3: Basket Landes* defeated Bourges 53-50
Most Decorated Clubs:
- TANGO BOURGES BASKET (formerly CJM): 15 titles (6 consecutive)
- CLERMONT U.C.: 13 titles (12 consecutive)
- PARIS U.C.: 7 titles (3 consecutive)
- US VALENCIENNES OLYMPIC: 7 titles (5 consecutive)
- STADE FRANCAIS (then STADE FRANCAIS VERSAILLES): 6 titles (5 consecutive)
- C.S CHATEAU THIERRY, B.A.C MIRANDE, and CHALLES BASKET: 3 titles each (all consecutive)
- A.S MONTFERRAND: 3 titles (2 consecutive)
- BASKET LANDES: 3 titles (2 consecutive)
