Cholet Take Down ÉB Pau-Orthez 85-79 in LNB Pro A Clash

Cholet protected their home floor with an 85-79 victory over ÉB Pau-Orthez in Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro A action on October 11, 2026. The win moved Cholet into a stronger position in the early-season standings and handed Pau-Orthez a frustrating road defeat in one of French basketball's most competitive leagues.

Played at a lively pace, the contest was decided by Cholet's ability to string together stops in the third quarter and convert them into transition points. Pau-Orthez remained within striking distance until the final minutes, but the hosts made the bigger plays down the stretch.

Match Overview

Cholet opened with a 22-18 first quarter, using crisp ball movement and a willingness to attack the rim. Pau-Orthez responded in the second period, but Cholet's defense held firm and sent the teams into halftime with the score at 44-38. The third quarter proved decisive: Cholet outscored Pau 24-17, extending their lead to 68-55 heading into the final frame.

Pau-Orthez refused to go away. A late 8-0 run cut the deficit to four points with under two minutes remaining, but Cholet's composure at the free-throw line and a crucial defensive rebound sealed the win.

Quarter-by-Quarter

• First quarter: Cholet 22-18
• Second quarter: Cholet 22-20
• Third quarter: Cholet 24-17
• Fourth quarter: Pau-Orthez 24-17
• Final: Cholet 85-79

Key Moments

The game's turning point came midway through the third quarter. Cholet rattled off a 10-0 run, fueled by back-to-back steals and a pair of three-pointers from the wing. That burst turned a five-point lead into a 15-point cushion and forced Pau-Orthez to chase the game.

Pau-Orthez's best stretch arrived in the fourth. Their shooting guard knocked down a contested three to spark an 8-0 run, and a fast-break layup made it a one-possession game. However, Cholet's point guard answered with a driving floater, and the home side closed out the game with six straight free throws.

Tactical Story

Cholet's defensive game plan centered on packing the paint and forcing Pau-Orthez to beat them from the perimeter. The approach worked: Pau-Orthez settled for long jumpers for long stretches and struggled to generate second-chance points. Cholet also controlled the defensive glass, limiting the visitors' transition opportunities.

On offense, Cholet relied on high ball screens and quick ball reversals. Their guards consistently beat their defenders off the dribble, collapsing the defense and creating open looks for shooters. Pau-Orthez tried to counter with a zone in the second half, but Cholet's patience and passing overcame it.

Standout Players

Cholet's starting point guard was the engine of the offense, finishing with 19 points and 7 assists while committing only two turnovers. Their power forward added 16 points and 10 rebounds, dominating the interior and hitting a key mid-range jumper in the fourth quarter.

For ÉB Pau-Orthez, the shooting guard led the scoring with 20 points, including four three-pointers. Their center contributed 14 points and 9 rebounds, but foul trouble limited his minutes in the second half. The visitors also received a spark from their bench, though it was not enough to overcome Cholet's balanced attack.

Season Impact

The result gives Cholet an important early-season win in LNB Pro A, reinforcing their playoff ambitions. For Pau-Orthez, the loss is a missed opportunity to climb the standings and highlights the need for more consistent half-court execution on the road. Both teams will look to build on their respective performances as the French league schedule continues.