Paris (AFP)

After five consecutive victories, Le Mans fell heavily in Pau (85-64), while Monaco chained to Cholet a ninth success in a row (victory 84-71), Friday during the 16th day of the Elite basketball championship.

A few days after their feat on Monday (85-74 victory over Villeurbanne, hitherto undefeated), the Le Mans players fell from high on the floor of the Elé béarnais, a defeat that emerged in the second half time, dominated 44-28 by the Palois.

Le Mans remains seventh in the championship but is again experiencing the taste for defeat: the Sarthois had not lost since the arrival at the head of their new coach Elric Delord, confirmed ten days ago until the end of the season.

Monegasques, on the contrary, do not stop. Their success at Cholet, which was almost achieved at half-time (51-31), allows them to remain second in the championship and threaten Villeurbanne, who plays on Saturday (14 successes each, a defeat for Asvel, two for Monaco ). The principality club has not lost in the league since the beginning of November ... against Le Mans.

Fifth before the match, Cholet sees Bourg-en-Bresse come back to his height, wide winner (96-72) against Boulazac. The Choletais also lose contact with Boulogne-Levallois, winner (121-115) after the suspense and an overtime against Châlons-Reims.

Less at stake but as much madness in Orleans, which hosted Châlon-sur-Saône: the latter won after three extra time on the score of (129-125), the most prolific match of the season.

In another soft belly match, Limoges won at Roanne (89-73).

Finally, Le Portel is more than ever the red lantern: already doomed to finish 2019 in last place, the Pas-de-Calais club lost (85-76) at home to Nanterre and will have to raise their heads in 2020 for dream of maintenance.

Results and classification of the 16th day of the Elite basketball championship:

Thursday

Strasbourg - Dijon 72 - 82

Friday

Orléans - Chalon-sur-Saône 125 - 129 (ap)

Bourg-en-Bresse - Boulazac 96 - 72

Le Portel - Nanterre 76 - 85

Pau-Orthez - Le Mans 85 - 64

Roanne - Limoges 73 - 89

Boulogne-Levallois - Châlons-Reims 121 - 115 (ap)

Cholet - Monaco 71 - 84

Saturday

(5:00 p.m.) Villeurbanne - Gravelines

© 2019 AFP