By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Just a few days ago Peristeri was more than competitive against Panathinaikos, while Le Mans is currently just 12th in the French top division.
However, when all was said and done, the French team got the huge 96-68 win over the Greeks in a game for Group A for the Basketball Champions League.
DeVante Jones with 18 points and Nate Mason with 17 were the top scorers of the winning side, however it was D’Shawn Schwartz with 14 points in 13 minutes of action who made the difference.
Thanks to him, Le Mans built a 30-18 first-quarter lead and never looked back after that, despite Peristeri’s efforts.
The team of coach Vassilis Spanoulis got 18 points by Jalen Hands, but with the exception of the first seven minutes of action the game was not competitive.
“I think that we prepared for a different game and showed a different picture,” said Spanoulis, “We discussed what to expect today, what kind defense to play, and what kind of energy we need. But today it was a junior team against a senior team. We are the junior team and they are the senior team.”
On the contrary, Le Mans led by 18 at halftime (57-39) and Peristeri couldn’t trim their lead after that to less than 13 points (60-47) before totally giving up.
“I am happy to see my team back,” commented head coach Eric Delord referring to preseason showings, before starting the Betclic Elite campaign.