Denain-Voltaire — Gravelines-Dunkerque: 106:81, Coupe de France

Denain-Volter defeated Gravigny-Dunkerque 106:81 in the French Cup on Tuesday evening. The hosts put together a comprehensive performance at home, with the final margin reflecting the balance of power from the opening tip-off. And here's the thing — this was not a game that required a late rally to decide.

The visitors arrived in decent form, having lost to Lyon-Villeurbanne 70:65 on October fourth and pushing Le Mans to 103:97 in a high-scoring affair. Gravigny-Dunkerque did not travel to make up the numbers, but the result confirmed they were outclassed. The hosts, meanwhile, had won their previous outing against Châlons-Reims 80:55 and looked sharp.

Our prediction called for a home victory with 69 per cent confidence, and the outcome vindicated that assessment. Denain-Volter controlled the tempo and did not let the visitors settle into any rhythm. To be fair, the gap opened quickly and never closed.

The 25-point margin tells the story without embellishment. Gravigny-Dunkerque could not find answers on either end of the floor, and the match settled into a pattern of Denain-Volter extending their lead whenever the visitors threatened. By then the game was already decided in practical terms.

The result keeps Denain-Volter in strong position as the French Cup progresses. Gravigny-Dunkerque will need to regroup after another defeat, one that follows their narrow loss to Le Mans and the heavier setback against Lyon-Villeurbanne.