The Betclic Elite season for Saint-Quentin has come to a close. Despite a late three-point shot by Neftali Difuidi in the final minute, the team couldn’t overcome a three-point deficit, ultimately losing their quarter-final playoff series two games to one. Unlike their near-miss last season, the team fell short of their promotion hopes.
This marks a swift downfall for the Axonais club. Just two years ago, they ascended to the elite league under Julien Mahé and even qualified for the BCL, featuring then-emerging talent Nolan Traoré, who would go on to join the NBA.
The city, known for its passionate fanbase, is experiencing a somber mood today. The season was marked by inconsistency and challenges, including three coaching changes, player injuries, and a significant number of losses (17 out of 20 matches). Despite these hurdles, Saint-Quentin had a chance to secure their spot, but Gravelines ultimately slipped through the narrow opening. Now, it’s Poitiers who continues their journey towards the Betclic Elite. The outcome of the series was decided by a few crucial moments.
“It’s deserved, considering everything that happened this season,” stated Loïc Schwartz in L’Aisne Nouvelle. “It was a more than decisive match, and we didn’t act like it. We played with the club’s survival… I also think of the supporters who were here even before I was born and could have still tasted the elite. I am sad. And it distresses me.”
The semi-final matchups are set to begin on Wednesday, featuring Poitiers against Nantes and Pau against Orléans.
The Saint-Quentin Basket Ball official account confirmed the result: “Match ended in Poitiers. Beaten in this Game 3 away, SQBB will play in Elite 2 next season. Thank you to everyone for supporting and pushing the club until the end, more than ever: Together 💙.”
