Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball (SQBB) began the 2025-2026 season with an unexpected win over JL Bourg, the reigning EuroCup champions, in a dramatic overtime game. The victory was largely attributed to Erick Neal, an American point guard who made his debut in the French league. Neal played a pivotal role, scoring 20 points, dishing out 11 assists, grabbing 2 rebounds, and recording 3 steals in 31 minutes. His performance demonstrated both his scoring ability and his skill in directing the team's offense. Neal has previously played in several countries, including Turkey, Romania, Poland, Montenegro, and Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that his confidence and positive attitude were key to the team's success. He stated he always plays with the belief that his team can win, a mindset that helped SQBB overcome a challenging match against JL Bourg. The SQBB team was formed quickly after an administrative relegation and a last-minute reprieve, leaving little time for preparation. The team relied on the experience of players like Neal to navigate the short preparation period. The team's coach, Raphaël Pascual, has entrusted Neal with leading the offense, allowing him to make key decisions and involve his teammates. Neal acknowledged that while the team has started the season strongly, there is still work to be done in building team chemistry and refining their offensive strategies. The passionate fan support at the Palais des Sports Pierre-Ratte also played a significant role in the win. Neal praised the energy of the crowd and expressed his desire to continue playing in such an environment, which he believes is vital for the team's success. Despite the early win, SQBB's main goal remains securing their position in the Betclic ÉLITE, the top-tier French basketball league. Neal expressed the team's ambition to not only stay in the league but also to surpass expectations by beating teams that are not expected to lose. The team's ability to adapt and persevere was evident in their victory over JL Bourg, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.