Le Mans overcame an early deficit to secure a convincing 89-69 home victory against Benfica in the Basketball Champions League. This win marks the French team’s first of the season in the competition, bringing a much-needed boost to their Group H campaign. The game saw Le Mans turn the tables after the first quarter, dominating the rest of the match with a strong team performance.
The key to Le Mans’ victory was a balanced and collective effort on offense, combined with a solid defensive stand after a shaky start. While Benfica came out strong, Le Mans adjusted their strategy by halftime and controlled the pace in the second half, preventing their opponents from making a comeback.
🏀 A Slow Start, A Strong Finish
Benfica initially set the tone, leading 24-21 after the first ten minutes of play. However, that was the best it would get for the visiting team. Le Mans regrouped and fought back in the second quarter to take the lead before halftime. They carried that momentum into the second half, steadily building their advantage and leaving no doubt about the final result.
🤝 Balanced Attack Leads the Way
A true team effort powered Le Mans to victory, with five different players scoring ten or more points. Trevor Hudgins led the charge with 13 points, followed closely by TaShawn Thomas who contributed 12 points. Johnny Berhanemeskel also added 11 points to the scoreboard, showcasing the team’s offensive depth.
💪 Benfica’s Efforts Weren’t Enough
Despite the loss, a couple of Benfica’s players had standout performances. Aaron Broussard and Geno Crandall both scored 19 points each, trying to keep their team in the game. Crandall also put on a great display of playmaking, dishing out an impressive 11 assists for a double-double, but their combined efforts were not enough to overcome Le Mans’ coordinated attack.
📅 What’s Next for Both Teams
With this win, Le Mans improves their record in Group H to 1-2. In contrast, Benfica remains winless at 0-3. The two teams won’t have to wait long for a rematch, as they are scheduled to face each other again in two weeks, this time on Benfica’s home court in Lisbon.
