Dijon, France – Limoges CSP Elite secured a crucial road victory against JDA Dijon, 89-83, on , in a game that exposed a concerning lack of commitment from the home side, according to Dijon coach Laurent Legname. The win provides a vital boost for Limoges’ playoff aspirations, while Dijon’s performance has left their coach searching for answers.
The game, while ultimately a six-point affair, was characterized by a noticeable disparity in energy and engagement, particularly from Dijon. Legname expressed his dismay following the match, stating he was “devastated” and unable to explain the team’s lackluster start. “If you have answers about the lack of player involvement at the start of the match, I don’t have any,” he said. “We cannot start the match with such little commitment.”
Limoges coach Dario Gjergja, conversely, was effusive in his praise for his team’s performance. “The guys showed they can be competitive,” Gjergja stated. “We had to make do with players absent during the last matches. There, it’s a complete match from everyone, I’m very proud of everyone. We didn’t stop fighting, we kept the same mentality. It’s a team sport, everyone really contributed on the field.”
The offensive output was balanced for both teams, with four players scoring in double figures apiece. Christian Sengfelder led Dijon with a dominant double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Gregor Hrovat added 19 points and 8 assists. For Limoges, Trevon Bluiett paced the attack with 24 points. However, Hrovat acknowledged that Dijon struggled to find its rhythm throughout the contest. “We knew before the match that it would be difficult,” Hrovat said. “Limoges is also in a delicate situation, and they came here to fight, what they did for 40 minutes. We didn’t find our rhythm, our game, from the first second.”
Hrovat further emphasized the team’s inability to seize control of the game. “We sometimes tried to come back, but Limoges were too strong today and we never found our rhythm. We played with too much fear and we never took control of the match. They took control of the match.”
The victory was particularly significant for Limoges, who were facing a critical juncture in their season. Legname specifically noted that Limoges viewed the game as a crucial opportunity to secure a play-in spot, adding to the pressure on his own team. The win halted a four-game losing streak for Limoges, while Dijon had entered the contest on a three-game winning streak, a run that now appears stalled.
Hugo Invernizzi of Limoges highlighted the importance of consistency in his team’s performance. “Every time we have a good match this season, we have a very bad one afterwards. I don’t know if it’s the best match of the season, the next one will tell us. Above all, we were precise about what we wanted to do. When we’re all on the same wavelength, it’s better. We know that when we move the ball well against Dijon, One can hope for something. We managed to tactically find the solutions.”
The result sees JDA Dijon move to sixth place in the standings, sharing the position with Le Mans and Nancy. Limoges remains in fourteenth position. Dijon will face a significant challenge in their next game against league leader ASVEL, while Limoges will look to build on their momentum against Saint Quentin.
Legname’s post-match comments suggest a deeper concern than simply a single loss. His inability to pinpoint the cause of his team’s lack of energy raises questions about the team’s mental fortitude and preparation. The coach had attempted to conserve energy with only eight players available, acknowledging the importance of the game, but the effort clearly did not translate to the court.
The game also highlighted the importance of a full team effort, a sentiment echoed by both Gjergja and Invernizzi. Limoges’ success was built on a collective contribution, while Dijon’s struggles stemmed from a lack of commitment across the board. As the season progresses, both teams will need to address these issues to achieve their respective goals.
