Paris (AFP)

The teams of the leading quartet of the French basketball championship, Monaco, Dijon, Strasbourg and Villeurbanne, won Tuesday night on behalf of the 31st day of Elite, and strengthen their position at the top of the standings.

The Monegasques have perfectly prepared their Eurocup final (2nd European level behind the Euroleague), scheduled from next Tuesday against the Russian team from Kazan, by going to win on the floor of Boulogne-Levallois 85 to 78, thanks to 18 points from Marcos Knight and 16 points from Rob Gray.

Zvezdan Mitrovic's players thus take their revenge on the Ile-de-France residents who tripped the Roca Team in the first game of the championship at the end of September.

With Cholet, the Metropolitans 92 are the only ones to have beaten Monaco this season.

The Principality's players consolidate their first place in the Elite with this 15th success in 17 games played.

Before switching to Europe mode, the Monegasques will receive Strasbourg on Friday in a match late in the 25th day for a shock at the top of the Elite.

Because the Alsatians continue their momentum and went to seek with forceps a precious victory in Limoges 81 to 68, for a 13th success this season in 18 matches.

The SIG, qualified for the Final 8 of the Basketball Champions League (3rd level), displays for the moment the third best ratio, with 72% of victories, behind Monaco and Dijon.

The JDA had much less difficulty than the SIG on Tuesday night, to beat Nanterre 78 to 67 at home, and record its 16th victories of the season (80%).

Laurent Legname's players thus approach in the best conditions the final of the Coupe de France, scheduled for early Saturday evening (7 p.m.) in a Paris-Bercy room behind closed doors against Villeurbanne, defending champion.

Behind Monaco, Dijon and Strasbourg, Asvel clings with a long success against Pau-Orthez.

In an unbridled and attacking game, Villeurbanne won 106 to 90, despite Petr Cornelie's 27 points for Elan Béarn.

The players of TJ Parker took a long time to get rid of the Pau threat, and were able to rely on the leader Thomas Heurtel, author of 21 points and 6 assists, and on the winger Amine Noua (24 points).

Freed from its constraints in the Euroleague, Asvel, reigning French champion (2019), will now focus on national competitions, starting with the Coupe de France on Saturday, before launching in pursuit of Monaco and Dijon in Championship.

© 2021 AFP