Aix-Maurienne edged Rouen 89-86 in a tightly contested Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro B matchup on October 24, 2026, producing a result that was not settled until the final possessions. The home side found just enough execution down the stretch to protect its floor and deny Rouen a valuable road win.

Match overview

Aix-Maurienne opened with better rhythm and built a narrow advantage through the first half. The hosts led 47-44 at the break, but Rouen responded after halftime with a stronger defensive stretch and tied the game at 66-66 entering the fourth quarter. From there, the contest became a possession-by-possession battle, with neither team able to create meaningful separation until the closing minutes.

• First quarter: Aix-Maurienne 22-21 Rouen
• Second quarter: Aix-Maurienne 25-23 Rouen
• Third quarter: Aix-Maurienne 19-22 Rouen
• Fourth quarter: Aix-Maurienne 23-20 Rouen

Key moments

The decisive sequence came late in the fourth quarter, when Aix-Maurienne converted a tough perimeter basket and followed it with a defensive stop. Rouen had chances to level the game in the final minute, but the home side managed the clock well and made the free throws that mattered. A late Rouen three-point attempt kept the tension alive, but Aix-Maurienne secured the rebound and closed out the 89-86 win.

Tactical story

Aix-Maurienne’s half-court offense was the difference in the end. The hosts moved the ball patiently, attacked closeouts, and generated enough clean looks to keep Rouen from loading up on one side of the floor. Rouen was at its best in transition and used second-chance opportunities to stay within reach, but the visitors struggled to contain Aix-Maurienne’s backcourt in the final five minutes. The rebounding battle was close, and both teams spent long stretches trading baskets rather than stringing together decisive runs.

Standout performers

Aix-Maurienne’s guards controlled the tempo and came up with the most important shot-making of the night. The frontcourt also contributed key offensive rebounds and defensive rotations in the fourth quarter. For Rouen, the interior scoring and transition pressure kept the visitors in the game, while the bench provided energy that helped erase the halftime deficit. The top scorers on both sides were well supported, but Aix-Maurienne had the more balanced closing stretch.

Season impact

The win gives Aix-Maurienne an important home result in the Pro B standings and reinforces their ability to win close games. Rouen leave with a narrow defeat but can take encouragement from the way they fought back after halftime. In a league where road victories are precious, this was a missed opportunity for Rouen and a confidence-building night for Aix-Maurienne.