ÉB Pau-Orthez suffered a heavy 89-61 home defeat against Dijon in the Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro A on Sunday, October 4, 2026, as the visitors delivered a dominant two-way performance at the Palais des Sports de Pau. The result leaves Pau-Orthez with plenty to address, while Dijon celebrated a statement road win.

Match Overview

Dijon set the tone from the opening tip, racing to a 12-2 lead behind intense perimeter defense and quick ball movement. Pau-Orthez struggled to find any offensive rhythm, committing six turnovers in the first quarter alone. By the end of the first period, Dijon led 26-14.

The second quarter offered little relief for the hosts. Dijon’s bench extended the lead to 45-28 by halftime, and the game was effectively over early in the third. Pau-Orthez managed just 12 points in the third quarter as Dijon’s defense continued to suffocate every action.

Key Moments

• First quarter: Dijon’s 12-2 opening run set the tone, forcing Pau into early timeouts.
• Second quarter: A 9-0 Dijon run pushed the lead to 20 points, silencing the home crowd.
• Third quarter: Dijon opened the half with a 13-2 surge, extending the margin to 58-30.
• Fourth quarter: Pau-Orthez found some late offense, but the outcome was never in doubt.

Tactical Breakdown

Dijon’s defensive game plan was masterful. The visitors switched every screen, closed out hard on shooters, and forced Pau-Orthez into 18 turnovers. Dijon also dominated the glass, out-rebounding Pau 42-29. Offensively, Dijon shot 51% from the field and 44% from three-point range, repeatedly finding open looks in transition.

Pau-Orthez, by contrast, shot just 36% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. The hosts were unable to generate consistent paint touches and settled for contested jumpers. Their assist-to-turnover ratio (10 assists to 18 turnovers) highlighted a difficult night against Dijon’s pressure defense.

Standout Performers

Rasheed Sulaimon led Dijon with 24 points and 5 assists, consistently beating Pau’s defense off the dribble. David Holston added 18 points and 7 assists, while Abdoulaye Loum chipped in 12 points and 9 rebounds. Dijon’s balanced attack proved impossible for Pau to contain.

For ÉB Pau-Orthez, Petr Cornelie scored 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Justin Dentmon added 12 points, but no other Pau player reached double figures. The hosts’ struggles from the perimeter were evident throughout.

League Table Impact

The loss drops Pau-Orthez further down the LNB Pro A standings and raises questions about their offensive consistency. Dijon, meanwhile, strengthens its position in the playoff race with a convincing road victory. The head-to-head result gives Dijon a significant confidence boost for the remainder of the season.

Pau-Orthez will need to address their turnover issues and defensive rotations quickly. Dijon’s performance served notice that they intend to compete at the top of the table.

What’s Next

Pau-Orthez will look to regroup on the road, while Dijon returns home with momentum. The Pro A season is long, but this result could prove pivotal for both clubs’ ambitions.