Match Preview
Both sides started the new French LNB season in a victorious fashion, with Roanne taking down Boulazac on the road, while rock-solid defending got Nanterre to a comfortable win over Pau Orthez. Which side will keep the perfect record after Friday's clash?
Roanne Starting Life Back in the Top Flight
Roanne earned promotion to the French top flight last season and started this new campaign by pulling off a big upset, taking down ASVEL 73-71 with Darius Johnson landing 19 points.
They offered zero resistance in the grand final, though, suffering a heavy 81-59 defeat to Paris. Their shooting was disastrous here, landing just 21 out of 66 field-goal attempts.
Roanne's first appearance in the new LNB campaign was last weekend, when they defeated Boulazac 81-79 on the road as underdogs. Johnson played the key role once again, registering 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Nanterre Building on Last Season's Success
Nanterre were the most pleasant surprise package in France last season, causing a couple of big upsets to reach the LNB semifinals, where they were beaten by Monaco 3-1.
Their start to the new campaign was not that great, losing the French Super Cup semifinals to later winners Paris 95-88. They allowed too many open shots, so the opposition shot 43% from beyond the arc.
Nanterre responded in the best way possible, though, allowing just 26 points to Pau Orthez last weekend in the LNB opener and taking a 78-64 victory in front of the home crowd. Xavier Castaneda was named man of the match with 18 points and seven assists.