Beaten last weekend in Roanne (83-76), Paris Basket, runner-up to Monaco in Elite, resumed its march forward by easily defeating Gravelines (97-78) after a first quarter of running-in, Saturday at home on the 13th day.
In the lead (29-25) at the end of the first period, the Northerners scored more points during this one than during the following two quarters (24). They thus suffered the awakening of TJ Shorts (11 pts), Mikael Jantunen (13) and Collin Malcolm (12), who led 51-40 at halftime before folding the match at the end of the third quarter ( 76-53).
Paris (10 victories for three defeats) is regaining its ease while awaiting the clash between its two pursuers on Sunday, Bourg-en-Bresse and Asvel (8-4). Le Portel (7th, 7-5) burst into the group of six qualified for the final phase by dominating Dijon at home (81-75) after a close match from start to finish. The ESSM, beaten during the previous day in Strasbourg (90-75) after a series of six successes, came back in front for the last time with just over 1 min 30 sec remaining (75-70) by inflicting a 6-0 on the Burgundians before controlling their comeback.
Cholet (9th, 6-7) fell out of the top 8 after suffering its fifth defeat in a row in Saint-Quentin (75-60).
Finally, Limoges lost to Chalon-sur-Saône (80-78) after having had the equalizer shot at the buzzer, missed by Alexandre Chassang (80-78) for Elan. The CSP, sanctioned with a withdrawal of three victories by the financial policeman of the League, remains relegated (16th, 4-6).