The 2026 Leaders Cup kicked off with a bang on February 20 at the Futuroscope Arena. Between stunning upsets, nail-biting scenarios, and collective displays of skill, the quarterfinals lived up to all expectations.
Cholet overturns ASVEL and creates a sensation
First quarter-final, first thunderclap. Cholet Basket defeated ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne after a completely wild end to the game (93-82).
In a lively match, Fabrice Lefrançois's men managed to make the difference after the break, led by a blazing DeAndre Gholston. The Cholet guard delivered an outstanding performance: 28 points, 4 rebounds, and a 26 efficiency rating.
A resounding feat propels Cholet to the semi-finals and confirms that this 2026 edition will be unpredictable.
Monaco survives the Strasbourg trap
It was a close call. AS Monaco snatched victory against SIG Strasbourg after a thrilling duel (90-89).
The Roca Team made the difference in the very last seconds, relying on a remarkable collective performance with six players scoring 10 points or more.
Strasbourg may have regrets. The Brown-Keene duo scored 50 points on their own, but the 32 team fouls conceded weighed heavily on the outcome.
Monaco will challenge Cholet tomorrow in the semi-final.
Le Mans assumes its status
Titleholder Le Mans Sarthe Basket did not falter against Nanterre 92 (82-67).
The Manceaux asserted their interior strength thanks to the duo Lucas Dufeal – TaShawn Thomas, decisive on both ends of the court.
With a consistently valuable Trevor Hudgins, MSB controlled the key moments to secure their qualification and confirm their status as favorites.
The reigning champion will indeed be in the final four.
Bourg-en-Bresse completes the picture
In the last quarterfinal, JL Bourg-en-Bresse dominated Paris Basketball (78-74).
Led by a very skillful Ricardo Lindo Jr, JL delivered a solid team performance, with five players scoring 10 points or more.
A controlled victory that allows Bourg to reach the final four and set up a promising matchup against Le Mans.
