Aix and Montpellier victorious against Saran and Toulouse in Liqui Moly Starligue
Started on Friday (including Nantes’ victory at Istres), the 18th day of Liqui Moly Starligue continued on Saturday. Two matches were scheduled. Aix-en-Provence, third in the standings, before the start of the day, went to win at Saran (30-27). The Provençals were already leading by three goals (17-14) at the break. They then widened the gap (22-16, 41st) and continued to lead, even if Saran was able to come back a length (27-26, 55th).
Matthieu Ong (nine goals) and Gabriel Loesch (six) were the main architects of the Aix victory. In the opposing ranks, Hadrien Ramond (six goals) and goalkeeper Nicolas Gauthier (16 saves) were the most prominent. Third, Aix-en-Provence has the same number of points as Nantes and is five points behind Paris-SG, which plays on a Sunday (5 p.m.) at home against Nîmes.
In the other game of the evening, Montpellier beat Toulouse (35-32). The debates were very close. The Héraultais led in the first period (19-18 at the break), then the visitors took control, until the 52nd minute, when Montpellier returned to the lead (32-31) and concluded the match in their favor . Hugo Descat (six goals), Yannis Lenne (six), Benjamin Bataille (five) and Diego Simonet (five) were the most prominent on the Montpellier side. Nemanja Ilic scored eight goals for Toulouse.