Levallois claimed an 87-86 victory over JA Vichy in a closely contested match on Friday, securing their second win in as many games this season. The team, which was recently promoted to a higher division, has shown promise but remains cautious about their overall prospects. The game was anything but straightforward for Levallois, who struggled early on and found themselves trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half. JA Vichy, led by Élise Prodhomme and Ray’Sean Taylor, who combined for 21 points in the first half, dominated the opening period. Levallois attempted to fight back with strong rebounding, securing more than three offensive rebounds, but their shooting was inconsistent, with only two three-pointers made in the first half. Coach Sacha Giffa, who previously played for the team, acknowledged the difficulties his squad faced, noting a moment of frustration at halftime. He stressed the importance of defense, emphasizing that it is the cornerstone of the team's identity and success. His message seemed to resonate with the players, who responded in the second half. In the second half, Levallois tightened their defense, effectively limiting Taylor's impact. Tom Digbeu was the standout performer in the first half, but it was the second half that saw a resurgence, particularly from Kezza Giffa, who made key plays to tie the game at 80-80. Giffa's efforts were crucial in helping Levallois take the lead, and the team held their composure in the final moments. Clifton Moore and Giovan Oniangue both played important roles, with Oniangue making a crucial interception in the closing seconds. With two wins under their belt in the season's opening games, Levallois is showing signs of potential. However, the team remains focused on the present, avoiding overconfidence. Coach Giffa emphasized the importance of concentrating on each game individually, ensuring that the team plays to the best of their ability without getting distracted by future challenges.