Mondeville, a town steeped in basketball tradition, will be playing for a playoff spot after securing a hard-fought victory over Aulnoye on Wednesday. The 77-61 win wasn’t a dominant performance, but it was enough to ensure the USO Mondeville will extend its season, entering the Ligue 2 playoffs in ten days. For a program with a history of success, simply making the playoffs feels less like an achievement and more like meeting a minimum expectation, a sentiment echoed by those closely following the team.
This season hasn’t been without its challenges for Morgan Debrosse’s squad. The team has often struggled with consistency, displaying flashes of brilliance alongside frustrating lapses in concentration. Wednesday’s game was a microcosm of that struggle, with Mondeville building an early lead, faltering mid-game, and ultimately regaining control in the second half. The team’s ability to navigate these inconsistencies will be crucial as they head into the more intense playoff atmosphere.
A Familiar Face Makes an Impact
The game also held a personal note for both teams, as Lou Bobst, a former product of the Mondeville youth system, returned to the Halle Bérégovoy as a member of Aulnoye. Bobst, who clearly remembered his time playing in Mondeville, delivered a strong performance, scoring 19 points and carrying much of Aulnoye’s offensive load. His presence served as a reminder of the club’s commitment to developing local talent, even as he competed against them on the court.
Mondeville found its rhythm in the first and second quarters, building a comfortable lead thanks to strong performances from Diakité, Soulard, and Kasongo. Diakité’s early scoring sparked the offense, while Soulard’s rebounding and Kasongo’s shooting from beyond the arc proved pivotal in extending the advantage. The team finished the first half strong, entering the break with a 51-40 lead.
Playoff Berth Secured, But Challenges Remain
Despite the win, Mondeville fell short of its initial goal of securing a top-two finish in the regular season. However, the team managed to secure a playoff berth, and will now face either La Tronche-Meylan or Voiron in the quarter-finals, with the first leg of the series taking place at home on Saturday, April 11. The new playoff format, which doesn’t grant advantages to teams based on regular-season performance, means Mondeville will have to earn every win.
The altered playoff structure, a change from previous seasons, levels the playing field, eliminating the benefits previously afforded to higher-ranked teams. This round-trip format demands consistent performance over two games, adding another layer of complexity to the competition. Debrosse and his team are hoping to learn from last spring’s semi-final defeat and make a deeper run this year.
Game Details
MONDEVILLE – AULNOYE: 77-61
(15-9, 19-20, 22-13, 21-19).
Referees: MM. Gountas, and M. Bourgeois.
MONDEVILLE: Parisi 4, Belleka 12, Kasongo 16, Saint-Juste 7, Diakité 18, then Soulard 10, Montout 3, Perdriau 4, Jacquot, Mauger 3. Coach : Morgan Debrosse.
AULNOYE: Bobst 19, Foirest 17, Lewis 3, Jean-Louis 6, Nezerwa 7, then Pavrette 5, Vitta 3, Asare 1, Van Huisstede. Coach : Guy Prat.
The Ligue 2 playoffs represent a new opportunity for Mondeville to showcase its potential. While the road ahead will be challenging, the team has demonstrated resilience throughout the season. Their ability to overcome adversity and capitalize on their strengths will be key to their success. The first leg against either La Tronche-Meylan or Voiron on April 11 will be a crucial test as they start their playoff journey.
As Mondeville prepares for the playoffs, the focus will be on refining their game and building momentum. The team will need to address its inconsistencies and find ways to consistently execute its game plan. With a strong home crowd behind them, Mondeville will look to make a statement in the first leg and gain a crucial advantage in the quarter-final series. Fans can find the latest updates and schedules on the Ligue Nationale de Basketball (LNB) website.
The team’s next confirmed action is the first leg of the quarter-final series against either La Tronche-Meylan or Voiron on Saturday, April 11, at the Halle Bérégovoy. We’ll continue to follow Mondeville’s playoff run here at time.news.
What are your thoughts on Mondeville’s chances in the playoffs? Share your predictions and comments below.
