Analysis · French NM1 · Round 6 · 20 October 2026

Laval US win by one point at Angers as the late rally falls short

Alexis Racine went 6/6 from the line and Laval US protected a first-half lead to edge Etoile Angers Basket 71-70.

By Nicholas Crow, General Manager, TeamKeysPublished 2026-10-212 min read

Who won Angers v Laval US in NM1 round 6?

Laval US won 71-70 at Etoile Angers Basket on 20 October 2026, a margin of just 1 point. It was a win over a side higher in the table, as Laval sit 25th of 26 and Angers 14th.

The result is the first win of the season for Laval US, who move to 1-5. Angers drop to 3-3 after a game they spent most of the night chasing.

French NM1EAB - US LAVAL NM1 Etoile Angers Basket vs Union Sportive Lavalloise Basket

How Laval US built their lead in the first half

Laval US won the game in the first two quarters, taking the first 20-12 and the second 19-17. Their perimeter shooting gave them the cushion they needed later.

Sandro Perazza hit 3/5 from three and 2/2 inside for 13 points in 26 minutes. Antoine Belkessa added 2/5 from deep on his way to 16 points, going 4/7 on two-pointers and 2/2 at the line.

Best players of the game

Player	Points	PIR
NGNoha Guillaume (Angers)	12	21
ARAlexis Racine (Laval US)	16	16
GBGregory Bengaber (Angers)	11	14
SPSandro Perazza (Laval US)	13	13
ABAntoine Belkessa (Laval US)	16	12
MRMalik Rouamba (Angers)	8	11

Why Angers' fourth-quarter comeback fell short

Angers won the third quarter 22-19 and the fourth 19-13, but the early deficit proved one possession too many. Laval's composure at the free-throw line made the difference.

Alexis Racine went 6/6 from the line and 2/4 from three for 16 points in 34 minutes, with only 1 turnover. At the other end, Sullivan Hernandez led Angers with 17 points but shot 3/10 from three and 0/2 from the line.

Who were the best players in Angers v Laval US?

Noha Guillaume was the standout performer, posting 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals off the Angers bench for a PIR of 21. He did it in 21 minutes without a single turnover.

Gregory Bengaber ran the Angers offence with 7 assists, well above his season average of 3.8, plus 11 points. For Laval, Mohammed Abdusalam pulled down 12 rebounds against his average of 9.2, scoring 11 points.

What next for Angers and Laval US?

Both teams play again on 23 October 2026, with Angers hosting questions about their form and Laval looking to build on a first win. Angers face Vendee Challans Basket, while Laval US take on Union Tours Metropole Basket.

Angers stay 14th of 26 at 3-3 after this defeat. Laval US remain 25th of 26 at 1-5, but the narrow win gives them something to work from.

Figures are taken from the game box score and the French NM1 standings after round 6.

Questions people ask

Who won Etoile Angers Basket v Laval US?

Laval US won 71-70 away at Etoile Angers Basket in round 6 of French NM1 on 20 October 2026. Laval led after winning the first and second quarters, then held on as Angers took the third and fourth quarters to finish 1 point short.

Who was top scorer in Angers v Laval US?

Sullivan Hernandez led Angers with 17 points, shooting 3/10 from three. For Laval US, Alexis Racine and Antoine Belkessa scored 16 each, with Racine perfect at 6/6 from the free-throw line in 34 minutes on court.

When do Angers and Laval US play next?

Both teams return on 23 October 2026. Etoile Angers Basket, 14th of 26 with a 3-3 record, face Vendee Challans Basket, while Laval US, 25th of 26 at 1-5, take on Union Tours Metropole Basket.

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