ESSM Le Portel eager to seize historic opportunity to play in FIBA Europe Cup

LE PORTEL (FIBA Europe Cup) - ESSM Le Portel are getting their first taste of continental basketball in the FIBA Europe Cup Qualifiers with only the second leg of the Qualification Round 2 tie against Parma separating them from booking a place in the Regular Season.

Just a year after earning promotion to the French top flight, the small seaside town of Le Portel are now looking to take the historic opportunity to play in Europe that opened up after a successful showing in the domestic championship last season.

"It is a unique chance for a city like Le Portel to spread the word about itself. And the guys deserve to play in the FIBA Europe Cup."ESSM Le Portel head coach Eric GirardESSM Le Portel head coach Eric Girard

Last season, the Eric Girard-coached side defied the odds and exceeded all expectations by making the Play-Offs already in their LNB Pro A debut, which consequently landed them a ticket to international waters.

"It is a unique chance for a city like Le Portel to spread the word about itself. The guys deserve to play in the FIBA Europe Cup. They gave so much last year, fighting all season to reach the Play-Offs in Pro A, something no one believed in," explained the team's 53-year-old head coach Girard, who put things into perspective.

Having drawn the first game 74-74 on the road in Russia, a win at the always-packed Chaudron would secure a place in the next round. Alternatively, three more places in the Regular Season are reserved for the lucky losers of the Qualification Round 2.

With an historic opportunity within grasp, the times are slightly nervous for people like Yann Rivoal, the President of ESSM Le Portel, but he is also every bit as excited for the return fixture as the rest of the town with just under 10,000 inhabitants.

"We had the lead for a long time, but Perm jumped out ahead in the second half. Fortunately, Trae Golden made his final pair of free-throws in the end. It leaves the suspense intact," he noted.

"So I want to invite all the supporters to the Chaudron on Tuesday!"

"Last year, it was the best crowd in France and I think they want to be even better this year."ESSM Le Portel player Jean-Victor TraoreESSM Le Portel player Jean-Victor Traore

Anyone who has been to a home game of Le Portel will tell you that the atmosphere their fans create is second to none in France. A newcomer to the club, Jean-Victor Traore also stressed the importance of the sixth player in the stands.

"Last year, it was the best crowd in France and I think they want to be even better this year," said the Senegalese-born big man, who arrived to the club after three solid seasons with Lille in Pro B.

"They give us a second breath in difficult moments and put pressure on the opponents. It gives us extra energy in those important end-of-game situations. When you are tired and you have to get the win in clutch moments, it pushes us."

Heading into an all-decisive second leg against Parma, Le Portel put forward a strong case on why they deserve a spot in the FIBA Europe Cup, registering an 87-73 victory over the competition's 2016-17 champions Nanterre 92 on the domestic front, feeding off the energy of the home crowd once again.

Having won both of their Pro A games at the Chauldron this season, Eric Girard and his players will be looking to keep the hot start going, when they welcome their visitors from Russia on Tuesday evening.

The winning side will book a direct spot to the Regular Season, joining a Group A that already features Telenet Antwerp Giants from Belgium, Dutch side Donar Groningen and Bosna Sarajevo from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

FIBA