Recap
Some of you will remember the shocking 4th quarter of Landes in their friendly against La Roche in August, when we played on La Roche to win by more then 4 points, but they got relaxed and lost the last quarter by 21-6 and won 69:68. This time will not be like that, because it’s a Super Cup match which will be played at Halle Carpentier in Paris.
Landes suffered many changes due to financial problems. With an 80% renewed squad, they will have a hard season, especially at the start, because the team needs time to make a cohesion. The main players from last season Fauthoux (12.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists), Magarity (12.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists), Laura Gil (8.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists), Cherie Mann (6.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists), Dumerc (6.1 points, 2 rebounds, 2.8 assists), Turcinovic (5.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists), Harmon (3.8 points, 4 rebounds, 1.5 assists) Musienko and Marrast left the team. They add some mediocre players to fill the gap, but I doubt that they will have a chance against the current champion and Euro league team Lyon.
Lyon had a phenomenal last season winning the league title, Eurocup, and played in the Coupe de France final losing from today’s opponent. They keep the core of the team, adding the best player from Landes, Marine Fauthoux and experienced Endene Miyem from Bourges, who have an ability to close to the rim, and play an aggressive defense. Coach David Gautier said that it’s satisfied with his team, having two quality players on every position and today only absences are rotation players Julie Allemand and Juste Jocyte.
I think that the bookies still didn’t know the situation in Landes, and these lines are settled due to last year’s performance. Expect a clear win for Lyon, covering this line.