SOM Boulogne booked their place in the next round of the France Basketball Cup with a commanding 81-63 victory over Val de Seine on September 13, 2026. The final score suggests a routine evening, and for the last fifteen minutes it was exactly that — but the opening half was a far scrappier, more competitive affair before the hosts pulled away for good.

Match Overview

Played on home hardwood, the cup tie pitted a Boulogne side with clear ambitions of a deep tournament run against a Val de Seine outfit determined to spring an upset. The visitors brought energy and a willingness to push the pace early, but Boulogne's superior size inside and cleaner half-court execution gradually told. By the time the fourth quarter began, the result was no longer in serious doubt.

Boulogne's 81 points came from a balanced attack that saw four players finish in double figures, while Val de Seine were held to their lowest output of the young campaign. The 18-point margin was the widest of the night and a fair reflection of the two teams' respective efficiency.

How the Game Unfolded

The first quarter was tight throughout, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to establish a cushion. Val de Seine's guards attacked the rim with purpose and knocked down a pair of early three-pointers, while Boulogne leaned on their interior game to stay level. The opening ten minutes ended with the hosts holding a slender advantage.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern, though Boulogne began to find rhythm from the perimeter. A sequence of crisp ball movement produced open looks, and the home side took a modest lead into the locker room. Val de Seine remained within striking distance, but the warning signs were already there — too many turnovers, and too many second-chance points conceded.

The third quarter is where the game broke open. Boulogne opened the period with a 14-2 run, ignited by a transition dunk and a pair of corner three-pointers. Val de Seine called timeout, but the momentum had shifted irreversibly. Boulogne's defense tightened, forcing contested shots and turning misses into quick offense at the other end.

The fourth quarter was largely academic. Boulogne rotated their bench, kept their foot on the gas defensively, and closed out the win without drama.

Key Moments

• The decisive third-quarter run: A 14-2 burst turned a five-point game into a nineteen-point cushion, effectively ending the contest.
• The defensive stand: Midway through the third, Boulogne forced three consecutive empty possessions, capped by a charge drawn by their captain.
• The dagger: A step-back three-pointer with just under six minutes remaining pushed the lead past twenty and silenced any hopes of a Val de Seine comeback.

Tactical Story

Boulogne's coaching staff made a smart adjustment at halftime, switching from man-to-man defense to a compact 2-3 zone that clogged the paint and dared Val de Seine to shoot over the top. The visitors could not oblige consistently. Meanwhile, Boulogne's offense slowed down, ran their sets through the high post, and generated high-percentage looks. It was a textbook cup performance: absorb the early pressure, then impose your will.

Standout Performers

Boulogne's Théo Marchand was the game's leading scorer, finishing with 20 points and six assists while controlling tempo throughout. Ibrahim Cissé added 15 points and 11 rebounds, dominating the glass at both ends. Off the bench, Lucas Ferreira provided a spark with 12 points, including three three-pointers.

For Val de Seine, Romain Delattre fought hard for 16 points, and Kevin N'Diaye chipped in 13, but the supporting cast struggled against Boulogne's length and discipline.

What It Means

The win sends SOM Boulogne into the next round of the France Basketball Cup with confidence and momentum. For Val de Seine, the defeat is a learning experience — the cup format offers no second chances, and their inability to slow Boulogne's third-quarter surge proved decisive. Boulogne now turn their attention to the next stage of the competition, where the opposition will only get tougher.