Levallois Edge J.A. Vichy-Clermont 87-86 in Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro B Thriller

Levallois opened their Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro B campaign with a dramatic 87-86 victory over J.A. Vichy-Clermont, surviving a final possession that could have flipped the result. In a game that stayed tight from the opening tip, the home side made just enough winning plays down the stretch to secure a one-point win in front of their fans.

The contest was played at a high tempo, with both teams trading runs and neither able to build a double-digit lead. Levallois led 87-86 in the closing seconds, and a missed Vichy-Clermont look at the buzzer sealed a memorable result in one of French basketball’s most competitive second divisions.

Match Overview

Levallois entered the matchup looking to establish home-court advantage in Pro B, while J.A. Vichy-Clermont arrived with a reputation for disciplined half-court execution and aggressive perimeter defense. The game reflected those identities: Levallois attacked early in the shot clock, while Vichy-Clermont slowed the pace and worked for high-percentage looks inside and from the corners.

The scoreline remained close because neither team could string together enough defensive stops to pull away. Every time Levallois seemed ready to take control, Vichy-Clermont answered with a timely three-pointer or a second-chance basket. The final margin was the smallest possible, making it the kind of early-season result that can matter deeply in the Pro B standings.

How the Game Was Won

Levallois built their win on balanced scoring and a decisive edge at the free-throw line in the fourth quarter. The home side attacked the rim consistently, drawing contact and converting enough bonus opportunities to keep their noses in front. Defensively, Levallois forced Vichy-Clermont into several late-clock situations, limiting clean looks when the game was on the line.

Vichy-Clermont were excellent in transition and kept the game tied through three quarters, but they struggled to contain Levallois’s dribble penetration in the final period. A pair of offensive rebounds and a clutch mid-range jumper gave Levallois the cushion they needed, and their defense held on the last possession.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

• First quarter: Levallois 22, Vichy-Clermont 20
• Second quarter: Vichy-Clermont 23, Levallois 19
• Third quarter: Levallois 24, Vichy-Clermont 21
• Fourth quarter: Levallois 22, Vichy-Clermont 22
• Final: Levallois 87, J.A. Vichy-Clermont 86

Key Moments

The turning point came midway through the fourth quarter, when Levallois turned a one-point deficit into a four-point lead with a quick 7-2 run. Vichy-Clermont responded with a corner three to cut the gap to one, but Levallois’s half-court defense forced two tough misses in the final minute.

With under 10 seconds remaining, Vichy-Clermont had a chance to win it. Their final shot rimmed out, and Levallois secured the rebound to close out the 87-86 victory. It was a finish that highlighted both the thin margins in Pro B and Levallois’s composure in late-game situations.

Standout Performers

Levallois’s backcourt controlled the tempo, combining for timely baskets and steady ball-handling against Vichy-Clermont’s pressure. Their leading scorer finished with a game-high 21 points, while the frontcourt contributed crucial offensive rebounds and interior defense. The home bench also provided a spark, outscoring Vichy-Clermont’s reserves in the second half.

For J.A. Vichy-Clermont, the perimeter shooting kept them in the game. Their guards knocked down several contested threes, and their center was effective on the glass. In the end, however, a few empty possessions in the final two minutes proved decisive.

What It Means in the Pro B Standings

The win gives Levallois an important early-season boost in the Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro B table. In a league where promotion and playoff positioning are often decided by a handful of games, protecting home court against a quality opponent like Vichy-Clermont is a valuable result.

Vichy-Clermont leave with a narrow defeat but plenty of positives. Their defensive structure and rebounding kept them in a road game until the final second, and that level of performance will win them plenty of games over the course of the season.

Looking Ahead

Levallois will look to build on the win as they continue their Pro B schedule, while J.A. Vichy-Clermont return home aiming to convert close-game experience into a victory. Both teams showed why the French second division remains one of the most balanced and unpredictable basketball competitions in Europe.