Strasbourg: Paul Lacombe superstar

On Tuesday, Strasbourg won in style at Dijon (72-85) to take control of the BCL group. The collective win, which SIG also owes to Paul Lacombe, who also topped 30, his record for the season.

At the end of October, Paul Lacombe decided to leave ASVEL and Euroleague to find positions in Strasbourg. After a few months, we can say that this choice has paid off. The Vénissieux native is gaining momentum as the weeks go by and establishing himself as one of the leaders of the Alsace team.

In this Tuesday’s BCL 100% French shocker against Dijon, the French international was a model regular. He finished with 18 points on 7/9 shooting, including 3 pointers, 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 steals, on 2/3 for 30 ratings in 32 minutes. Or the most complete performance of the season, in the championship and in the European Cup. But at the press conference, not a word about his own performance, it is the dominant team.

“It is the most controlled match. I think it’s a win by the biggest margin. For once we were not afraid. We didn’t let them come back. Rodions (Kurucs) and DeAndre (Lansdowne) set the tone in the first half with their anticipation. We made stops and were able to hit the sore spot. It was less noticeable in the second half, but we were able to take advantage of Dijon’s loss of possession because they are not a team used to losing possession quickly. Late in the match we held together defensively against the less brilliant Holston. We could rely on everybody and Lucas (Beaufort) gave everything defensively. »

“Marcus Keane Moves On”

Arkha mainly praises the progress of the collective. But when a reporter asks him about Marcus Keane, who had 22 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds on 9/13 shooting for 28 points in 34 minutes, Paul Lacombe goes there for a little anecdote.

“I didn’t attend the first league game, but I was told that Marcus (Keane) had a bit of a duel with David Holston and it didn’t go too well (smiles). I saw him play fair this (Tuesday) evening. He was waiting to be given balloons and freedom. He knows that he is the player we will give the ball for money. I see him progressing, his options getting better and better. And then it’s still good. His shots are not always perfect, but the team needs it, I remember the shot of Jonathan Rousselle. And the better for him, the better for us. »

“This victory will count in the end”

In general, the former Villeurbannais knows that this is a very valuable success, because with a strong opponent away and Dijon who are not used to losing at home. After two days of the first 16, Strasbourg are unbeaten leaders ahead of their trip to Jerusalem – winner of Holon on Tuesday – next week.

“This group is very tight and tough. Four teams are evenly matched, so all wins are important, with a good margin (+13). It will count in the end. It’s never easy to win here, I know that because I’ve been here many times. And this win goes to JB Maille (victim of torn cruciate ligament). »

Now 6th in Betclic Elite (with four other teams) and the only team still unbeaten in their group in the BCL, SIG Strasbourg have definitely turned the page at the start of the season. And who knows where to stop with such a brilliant Paul Lacombe?

Photo: Paul Lacombe (FIBA)